Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
I’m fine with out you…

By Byron Schaller, Delicious Media contributor



Charlie Kaufman has a masterful understanding of the human mind, and even more importantly, how to translate the mind’s workings into a screenplay. We saw this first in 1999 comedy “Being John Malkovich” where Kaufman explored the ability to crawl inside the head of the famous actor. He continued to shape his art in 2002’s “Adaptation” where we find him navigating his mind as himself trying to write the very movie we are watching. This maze cinema approach and physiological insight reach their peak with his latest work, “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”.

The work done by everyone in this film is nothing short of stellar. Jim Carrey proves once and for all that he is a very proficient dramatic actor. He gives a fantastic performance as Joel Barish a quiet and introverted man whose mind becomes the backdrop for most of the film. Kate Winslet also gives a great performance as Clementine, Barish’s ill fate love. Tom Wilkinson gives the level of performance we have come to expect after such a great performance in 2001’s “In the Bedroom” as Dr. Howard Mierzwiak. Elijah Wood manages to separate himself quite well from the role of Frodo Baggins as plays a morally devoid technician named Patrick, and Kirsten Dunst rises above the normal flighty teen shtick she is know for as Dr. Mierzwiak’s receptionist Mary.

The film’s main focus is on one of our most human characteristics, our memories, and how they define us, challenge us, and control us. The film supposes that there is a procedure that can erase something from a person’s memory completely, leaving them as if it had never happened. The movie itself in follows a nonlinear timeline and takes place both in the real world and Joel’s mind. The transitions are clear and easy to follow and don’t disrupt the telling of the story at all. In fact it enhances it.

The special effects inside Joel’s head are fantastic. From easy “Blair Witch” style flashlight and camera work to surreal effects like jumping between memories and having things disappear out of nowhere the special effects accent the story and in most cases the scenery very well. The idea of being in someone’s head has never looked better.

The most important part of the film, aside from its cinematic brilliance is its message. As painful as memories can be at the end of a relationship, especially a bad one, is it better to remember, because as painful as it maybe at the time, you will always have the good memories and those are priceless. On top of that it goes further to ask if you know how something is going to end, and it is bad, would you still do it? These are important observations and questions that strike at the core of the human condition.

This film is moving and inspiring and may change how you view your own life. Such and important movie should not be missed. Make sure to see it, preferably with someone you love. And don’t forget about it come awards time, you are sure to see there as well.

Byron Schaller is a guest contributor for Delicious Media. He mantains his own blog, In The Congo, enjoys writing, collecting records, and watching Italian horror film. He is a Hoosier, but looks nothing like Gene Hackman.