There is no question about it, this Jim Carrey’s finest work. He brings a clear spirited depth to the part of Joel—making Joel Jim’s most stark yet most respectable character role to date. Even though Eternal Sunshine may not be one of Jim biggest money making endeavors (compared to his comedies), it certainly puts him on the path of being perceived as an actor who is capable of seriousness. At far as earning an Oscar nod for ‘04, because of the film's early release date and the fierce competition up for the Best Actor nominations, Jim was gypped.
In addition to Carrey’s career performance, the remainder of the ensemble cast fares equally as well. Kate Winslet serves up some of her best non English-accented acting as the orange-haired and sporadically veclempt Clementine. (Sorry for the Yiddish slang.) Her work here is arguably better than anything else she has done—with the possible exception of her other near-astounding effort in Finding Neverland. Kirsten Dunst and Mark Ruffalo are as faultless as always, and both Tom Wilkinson and Elijah Wood are as top-notch as expected in their respective supporting roles.
With his superb use of light (or more appropriately darkness) and his watertight scene transitions, director Michel Gondry has crafted an utter joy of a film that cleverly starts out near the end and then wraps back upon itself by the conclusion. Overall, the quirky yet visual genius of Gondry combined with the warped yet brilliant mind of Charlie Kaufman has undoubtedly resulted in a beautiful and poignant romance. The manner in which Eternal Sunshine blends its romance and comedy gives the film a strong sense of undeniable individuality and makes for an overtly pleasing picture. Eternal Sunshine has the aptitude to tickle your thinking cap, sooth your sight, and hypnotize your heart. Beyond any shadow of a doubt, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind belongs in the absolute upper echelon of all that is romantic and unique. (***1/2 out of ****)
.jpg?t=20130517094513)
Article comments
1 - Tan The Man
Great review.
2 - visualsimplicity
And great movie.
3 - anonymous coward
Great review. I was particularly touched by one moment, when Clementine was listening to Joel's tapes and heard him say that the "hair thing" was fucking stupid. That's something he never said to her in person and which he never would have...I wonder how many of our relationships have those "really, don't go there" places.
Me, I'm inclined to say those things in anger and wonder if I'll ever be able to take them back...because even if they're horrible things to say, sometimes they're also true. I would never say it to her face, but my wife's cooking is SHIT...and she LOVES to cook. How do people EVER manage to stay together?
4 - Eric Olsen
my wife's a good cook - yeay for me!
Very evocative and persuasive review Brandon, and I agree with your conclusions. thanks and welcome!
5 - Bob A. Booey
I love this movie and Charlie Kaufman, even though Adaptation's a deeply flawed film experiment.
Dawn's too hot for us and for Olsen :)
That is all.
6 - -E
Adaptation was good, till the ending. I find I have problems with the endings of most movies these days though.
Eternal Sunshine, however, I loved and bought the moment it was available on DVD.
7 - Biercoff
It's a really fasinating movie, how many times we have desired to erase someone from our minds but this movie in somehow demonstrates that we really can't. It's i "nice", what am i saying, i fucking good story of how the mind can't deal with our heart.
8 - Max
I put off waiting for this movie and am I glad I did - it was worth the anticipation. The only thing about this review is that didn't Clementine and Joel meet the first time at a beach party and the next time they meet, for the first time after the erasure, is on the train?