Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

[chrisspielberg]

Thought i'd add something for Eternal Sunshine because to my surprise there was nothing. After getting over the initial shock, I put to you... this film, your thoughts?

I for one think this is my fovourite film of all time. It has two fine actors who give outstanding, and unrecognisable, performances (which i like to see, actor's trying new things). Brilliant concept, beautiful cinematography, music and effects that prove you don't need a multi gazillion dollar budget for effects that will probably end up looking like a computer game in most films!

What i like most (apart from the initial creativity of writing and directing, thank you Charlie Kaufman and Michel Gondry) is that the actor's play it out so real... they are just normal people with everyday relationship problems and brings up the most important question, would have something erased from your memory, and what would it be?



Confused? See the film, please!!!

(p.s. this is my first attempt at one of these thread things and wasn't sure how to go about it exactly, but hope it gets people talking! Good luck me!!! ;D)

[dontdigonswine]

Yes, this is also one of my favorite films of all time. Its impact on me simply does not wear out with multiple viewings. This is the only movie I have ever cried in. I first saw it the day before my grandmother's funeral, and there were a few parts that really hit me. The one line that is still maybe my favorite line in any movie ever is when Joel is having his first memory of Clementine erased (or rather, the last memory he has erased in the process) and Clementine says to him "This is it, Joel. It's going to be over soon. What are we going to do?" to which Joel replies "Enjoy it." That simple two word line completely changed how I view life as a whole. Our lives are these tiny little blinks in comparison to the entire lifespan of the universe thus far, so what else are we supposed to do other than simply enjoy the time we are given? Enjoy the love that is only felt by us and no one else, and therefore will be forgotten in time. The other line that really stuck in my mind for a long time and that capped off the movie, making it PERFECT, was the closing line between Joel and Clementine. They accept the fact that there will be struggles and dislikes and so called "bumps in the road" that may make their relationship seem intolerable and impossible, and they both accept it with a simple exchange of "Ok." Just thinking about this movie makes me want to watch it again.

[chrisspielberg]

wow! and i thought i loved this movie with a passion, and you guys sum up how it makes you feel so eloquently... well done ;D

i absolutely adore those lines in the movie, and the whole thing just gives you such hope for any kind of relationship, i can watch this film time and time again and never get tired of it

[Evan]

I saw it for the first time last weekend and really loved it. I enjoyed seeing Jim Carrey in a serious role. I thought it was a great film that needs to be recognized more (maybe it is, but I dont hear about it). I really liked the dream sequence and how things keep on dissapering and distorted. I have to say, I didnt cry but it was a very beautiful film.

[criterionmaster]

i am not a huge fan of this film, definitely not as much as you guys are. i do like it, though, but i don't see what all the flipping out is over. jim carrey gives a better performance in truman show if you ask me, since he balances his brilliant comedic performance, with a serious role as well. but he is really good in this. there are some overall excellent elements and concepts, but it just didn't blow me away or stick out much to me. it definitely didn't make me look at life in a new way or anything like that, didn't even make me look at filmmaking in a new way. but maybe i am overdue for a re-watch (i do own two editions of the film )? what do you guys think? and what do you think i missed about the film, if anything, ‘cause i can’t see the genius there?

[captainofbeef]

^I'm pretty much in the same boat as Dan here. I thought it was an extremely well written movie, with great performances. But, like Dan said, it definitely didn't change my outlook on life and relationships. Maybe I have a cold heart

[eatawiiner]

/\ Mother fucking word. 1st time i saw it I was madly in love with this bitch, and didn't grasp onto the film as much. Second time i saw it I was heartbroken, and the movie affected me more than anything i've ever watched, sickly profound impact on my ass. Ever sense that second viewing i've been in love.

[chrisspielberg]

Great!! What i think it is, is the characters are just so endearing and interesting you can get so involved in, and relate to, them and their stories. I, and i'm sure many other guys, can find a lot of myself in Joel; that sometimes insecure, shy guy who just wants to please everybody. Most guys probably arent AS shy but can deffinetely feel nervous and tounge-tied around the object of their affections. He who also sometimes retreats and likes to observe and analyse the world around them. Then theres the complete opposite in Clementine, the "fucked up girl" who, to quote, "is just looking for their own peace of mind". Who isn't? She adresses that feeling of wanting to just be out there and live every moment of life to the fullest; and being horrified to think we might not be.

The overall concept amazed me. If we could erase parts of our memory that are too painful, would we? Or is it those painful moments that make us who we are, make us able to learn from our mistakes and become stronger? The idea within the film of Joel being able to roam his mind like a library or archive, to stop the erasing, gives such a sense of freedom, even if its in our own heads. Visually seeing memories being erased, apart from making such intriguing and creative viewing, reminds us that memories can and will be missed if they are actually forgotten... or removed.

Such as beautiful film.

That is all... ;D

[criterionmaster]

definitely a good way of looking at it, i might be able to see why everyone loves it so much now. i guess i can connect with joel if you put it that way, although i didn't feel too connected with him when watching the film. maybe on second viewing, like what happened with eatawiiner. have you seen any other kaufman written films, chrisspielberg? if you liked the concept of this film, you should love the concept of his other stuff, too. very original and unique. i personally think jonze is the better director, and thought he would have done a better job on eternal sunshine, based on his prior work, than gondry, but that is just me. I doubt anyone else would agree, though, but maybe?

[chrisspielberg]

Mmm maybe? Gondry's stuff before was a couple of weird music videos and a low-key drug film or something, but i think the film could only have been what it was with him. Apparently Science of Sleep isn't considered too good cos he wrote AND directed, but i really respect him as an artist.

I loved Being John Malcovich and have really been meaning to watch Adaptation sometime! Kaufman really inspires me as a writer!!

[dontdigonswine]

I honestly think that Gondry has the ability to create a atmosphere, if you will, in which it is easier for the audience to feel pain as the characters feel it. Eternal Sunshine is so much different from both BJM and Adaptation, so I guess it would've been interesting. I just don't think Jonze could have been that inventive. And Science of Sleep is beautiful, chrisspielberg, I highly suggest it. Probably one of the most underrated and overall best movies of last year

[dontdigonswine]

Speaking of Science of Sleep, I downloaded the song that plays as the credits first start (called "Coutances") and I can't stop listening to it as of late.

[PTAhole]

While I do think Jonze is a better director than Gondry, I do think that Eternal Sunshine is a near-masterpiece, and I'm not sure that Jonze would have done it better.

[chrisspielberg]

Pecan Pie!!!

Just a quick short made by Gondry with Jim Carrey driving a bed-car and singing some Elvis!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=D090aCx0hGA

[criterionmaster]

andruini said:

come on, man! jonze a better director than gondry? could've done ESOTSM better? what the hell have you been smoking, son? and that thing you say about not seeing anything new about filmmaking? do you not know how gondry does his stuff? you'd be amazed, just check out the director's label box set. the dude is sooo creative, one of his nails is probably more creative than most people out there.

well, i just think jonze is more interesting and creative, directing-wise. he handles things differently than gondry, but overall, i think jonze is the more talented (though i haven't seen all of their videos, and some of their films). i enjoy jonze's style of filmmaking more, therefore, i probably would have enjoyed eternal sunshine more, had he done it. blackmoses owns that collection, so i will see it, though i have seen many of his videos already. he is creative, not denying that, he is better than like half of the idiots working today, but jonze is just a personal choice.
chrisspielberg, you must see adaptation, you will love it.

do you think i will like science of sleep based on my lukewarm response to this?

[chrisspielberg]

Well just read another review of Science of Sleep, then watched some clips and i have to say it looks quite promising. Maybe a little over wacky and out there but what do we watch films for anyway huh?? I'm a reasonabally big fan of Gael García Bernal to; loved Amores Perros and Y Tu Mamá También!!!

[sacrilegend]

I love this film so much, but it's one of the films I've just accepted for what it is and I haven't looked into it too much. I agree with all of you, though, I can't say it much better than you already have. When I have thoughts I'll post them! In my top ten (I'm almost sure).

[chrisspielberg]

Anybody else noticed that Mark Ruffalo seems to be popping up a lot more recently?? Not that that's a bad thing, he's an amazing new talent!!

[chrisspielberg]

Just watched it again and i love it so much it think i might cry!!!

Seriously, who cannot fall in love with this film??

[criterionmaster]

me.

[sacrilegend]

You're such a spoilsport, Dan!

[chrisspielberg]

Thank you for ur support sacrilegend, lol