I've come to greatly appreciate those films that toss the traditional linear approach to storytelling out the window, and instead opt for a circular or anarchical approach to exposition. Flashbacks were used appropriately, but at some points I couldn't tell whether or not Joel was experiencing real déjà vu or whether he owned a sick sense of humor. I believe the intent was for the audience to react in such a manner, which is why the confusion continued until we finally understand what's happening to our main character. Joel ends up regretting his decision to have his memories of Clementine erased, and what ensues is a plunge into cinematic brilliance: Joel's brain rushes to hide the remaining memories of Clementine in other parts of his memory and subconscious. Needless to say, Joel's quest brings about some interesting and largely embarrassing memories of his childhood that Clementine (the memory) enjoys to the fullest.

The absurdity of having a mind erasing service was subdued by the straight-faced performances of Tom Wilkinson, Mark Ruffalo, Kirsten Dunst and Elijah Wood. It was their job to perform the memory changes in the story, and they acted less like neurological pioneers, and more like your everyday, disgruntled medical employees (Hopefully, the amount of pot-smoked in this film is not indicative of real life medical technicians when patients aren't paying attention.). Their anything-but-normal portion of the story transpires in the real world, while Joel's and Clementine are occupied with protecting themselves from erasure in the dream/unreal world. Confused yet? I was too for about the 10 minutes, until I realized that this wouldn't have been a Jim Carrey movie without providing him an opportunity to act insane.

Like many of my contemporaries, "When Harry Met Sally" stood as my ideal for a romantic comedy. Very few movies labeled as a romance or a comedy, let alone a romantic comedy, could hold up to comparison with the Rob Reiner classic. But with Eternal Sunshine, my movie tastes may have experienced a paradigm shift. I didn't end up looking for the happy ending, like all other films. All I wanted was for Joel and Clementine to have a second chance. This, in many peoples' cases, is all one ever needs.