Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Review: A Romance Worth Remembering
9/10 — Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Pros
- Carrey and Winslet's performances
- Inventive practical effects
- Smart, emotional script
Cons
- Disorienting structure
- Weaker subplot
After a breakup, Joel, played by Jim Carrey, discovers that his ex Clementine, played by Kate Winslet, has had him erased from her memory, and decides to undergo the same procedure. As his memories are wiped, he starts to regret it.
What works
Carrey gives a subdued, vulnerable performance, and Winslet is wonderfully messy. Gondry’s low-tech visual effects, with memories collapsing and rooms disappearing, are inventive, and Kaufman’s script is emotionally true.
Where it falters
The nonlinear structure can be disorienting, and the supporting cast’s subplot is less compelling.
Verdict
A funny, painful and original film about love and memory.
