The film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) explores the nature of people’s memories and romantic relationships. The film reveals a story of romantic relationships between Joel Barish and Clementine Kruczynski. After a 2-year romantic affair, Clementine decides to erase the memory of her relationship with Joel, who also decides to undergo the same procedure.
This procedure becomes the protagonist’s journey to the bottom of his heart that ends in his desire to preserve the memories, as the man understands that they are precious and should be preserved in his memory. Unfortunately, he fails, which is a horrible drama for him. There is another story line in the film. It is concerned with the company erasing memories. There is a love affair as well as and the woman who suffers from unhappy love to a married man sends all records to the company’s clients. Thus, Clementine and Joel reunite.
One of the most interesting and appealing techniques used in the film is nonlinear narrative. The film seems to be a mosaic of memories and perceptions. Real life events are intermingled with memories or, maybe, dreams.
This chaotic presentation of events resembles people’s life. The viewer comes to an understanding that these chaotic but, at the same time, rather orderly memories make up people’s lives and make it worth living and loving. Of course, it is sometimes puzzling and confusing but this confusion creates the necessary atmosphere in the film.
It is necessary to add that the film is very appealing due to performance. A myriad of renowned stars create unforgettable characters. Kate Winslet, Jim Carrey, Kirsten Dunst, Elijah Wood, Mark Ruffalo and others make the story true to life. Kate Winslet got an Academy Award for Best Actress. The character she created is very lively and energetic. Jim Carrey also proved that he could create truly deep characters. His performance is astounding. He manages to reveal feelings of a person lost in his memories.
The actor acts out a whole range of different emotions that speak to different people’s hearts depending on their personal stories. It is hard to believe that Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet are just acting, as it seems that the viewer is watching some kind of documentary, where true feelings of the two people are featured. Of course, the rest of the cast also contribute to creation of a story that touches all people’s hearts.
It is important to add that music is another strength of the film. The soundtracks are very appealing and help to create the necessary mood and atmosphere. The director of the film also did a great job. Camera movements and shots chosen are remarkable. Close-ups reveal intimacy between the two characters while long shots emphasise the despair of the protagonist who is lost in his own mind.
In conclusion, it is necessary to state that the film is worth watching. It is a great love story that will remind people of the importance of love for a human being. It is also a good reminder of the importance of every memory a person has. The film makes the viewer understand that memories are pieces of people’s lives and it is impossible to throw them away. Finally, this is a great way to spend two hours of spare time observing perfect performance and a spectacular storyline.