masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (2 May 2004)

I've watched a lot of poor films in the cinema. How refreshing it is then to A) Persuade whoever is going with you that 50 First Dates is not worth your hard earned fiver AND B) To watch a film that is actually worth the celluloid it's grafted on.
And Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind was that film. In fact, in reality, it deserved to be grafted on gold.
Doubtless this is an exaggeration, but I really fell head over heels in love with Charlie Kaufman after seeing his glorious Adaptation. And like Adaptation., this film is superbly well written - the characters are genuine, exchanges are fraught, hilarious and often weird; and the reworking of time is exquisite. However, as a result of this clever jiggery pokery with the time scale, as well as the occasional saunter through the mind of Joel (played by Jim Carey), it really is quite difficult to keep on top of the action.
But this is by no means a criticism. Far from it. This film is original (the premise itself is quite honestly very difficult to explain) and stimulating - watching the story unfold really is a joy.
But this is Jim Carey right? Right. And I've never been his biggest fan. He's funny yes, but I was concerned that he may have been miscast in this film. Needless to say, I am eating my words now, for this is Jim Carey as you've never seen him before; hilariously funny at times, yes, but for the most part - painfully reserved. His relationship with the outwardly vivacious Clem, played by Kate Winslet, appears a mismatch from the start, yet herein lies the beauty of this film. In this most unlikely of couples comes an awkward yet no less profound love. Carey is brilliant and as the film progresses; you really care for him and his relationship. Your head literally screams out when his chronic awkwardness comes to the fore. You're moved when he is moved. And you're deeply grateful to Kaufman that he allows what can almost be described as a 'happy ending', despite the overriding cynicism throughout.
Similar surely only in genre to 50 First Dates, this is effectively a romantic comedy, yet intriguingly, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind has an element of science fiction within it. Before long, it appears that Carey and Winslet's relationship has ended, as the narrative takes what the audience can only assume is a leap forward. Not only has this relationship ended, but Winslet has also taken the step of erasing her memory entirely of Carey, using a new scientific method, pioneered by Doctor Howard Mierzwiak (Tom Wilkinson). As a result, Carey also decides to erase his memory of Winslet, but as the process begins, Carey begins to have second thoughts, yet appears powerless to stop the process whilst trapped in his mind. And it is in his mind that he is forced to relive his relationship backwards as each memory is erased. It is in these set pieces that the film really excels. Each as cleverly produced as the next as Carey's world starts to fall apart around him, often quite literally. Director Michel Gondry uses an array of flashy techniques to tell the story, yet never allows style to overcome substance.
Back in the real world, equally intriguing sub plots of greed and manipulation run parallel to the main plot, involving Elijah Wood and Kirsten Dunst, employees of Wilkinson. All narrative threads are nevertheless interwoven, and as the film comes to its conclusion, you really are left satisfied.
And if you feel like I've just told you the entire plot then you would be mistaken. This film really is saturated from start to finish. Not only that, but Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind even betters Adaptation. Funny and profoundly touching in equal measure, this film beats lacklustre, uninspiring films like 50 First Dates into the ground, giving the 'romantic comedy' genre a real shot in the arm. And, incidentally, Carey turns out what can only be his best performance.
Stuck for something to watch in the wake of Troy? Watch this. It's nothing short of a masterpiece.