DVD Review: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (A-)

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Directed by Michel Gondry
Starring Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Elijah Wood & Kirsten Dunst
MPAA: R
Grade: A-

Review by Scott Standish

Wow. Charlie Kaufman is obviously one of the best writers, if not the best writer in Hollywood right now, and Eternal Sunshine proves it. Hypnotizing, mesmerizing, sad, and at times funny, this is one of the best movies I have seen in a long time.

Carrey plays Joel Barish, a bit of a loner loser that has had a tough time dealing with the world around him. If only something exciting could come into his world, he could be happy. Enter Clementine. Kate Winslet (who seems to be brilliant in just about everything she does) turns in an Oscar winning performance as Clementine, the bold, brash and admittedly "fucked up" girl that just wants to experience all that life has to offer. Their romance is poignant and, as time goes on, somewhat tragic.

The plot line of Eternal Sunshine is complex, and I don't want to give too much away- so lets just say that Clem and Joel run into some problems as they try to handle what becomes a sour relationship. Kaufman and director Michael Gondry do an excellent job of weaving a tapestry that uniquely relates a love story that operates on multiple levels.

Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind is highly recommended.