Directed by Michel Gondry, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is one of my favorite romantic movie of all-time. Starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet as the two main characters, the highly acclaimed script was written by Charlie Kaufman, Gondry and Pierre Bismuth.

The movie has a non-linear plot line which may initially appear as confusing but to summarize it, Joel Barish  (Carrey) is emotionally withdrawn and depressed after the failure of a recent relationship with the free-spirited Clementine Kruczynski (Winslet). One day, he visits her at her workplace and is stunned to see that she has no idea who he is. After some investigation, he realize that she underwent a medical procedure to erase all her memories of their painfully failed relationship. Deeply hurt by her action, Joel decides to undergo the same procedure. Most of the film takes place in Joel’s mind as he laying unconscious during the operation. Upon seeing happier memories of the relationship, he remembers why he loved Clementine, he changes his mind and fights to retain at least some of the memories, trying to find places in his memory where he can hide Clementine until the procedure is over.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is one of those movies that has to be experienced rather than explained. Gondry uses some really creative visual devices that are nothing short of brilliant to make us believe we really are in Joel’s mind. You will see the picture and sound quality degrade or be distorted as some of Joel’s memories are erased. You will see object in the background disappear or fade away, faces going blank (literally) etc… That may be cool to look at but it also immerses the viewer into this dream-like atmosphere.

Jim Carrey gives the most restrained and powerful performance of his lifetime and it is disappointing that he got little respect for it. This is not the gag-happy  physical comedy you are used to, this is real dramatic acting. Joel is  withdrawn and depressed and the only thing that keeps him hanging on are those memories of this relationship, no matter how painful. Kate Winslet also gives a superb Oscar-nominated performance as the free-spirited and short-tempered Clementine. She doesn’t have an easy role, playing an unhinged character who has to look psychologically troubled, and yet remain desirable for the main character. Winslet succeeds on all counts, infusing Clementine with a chaotic liveliness which is the complete opposite of Carrey’s shell shocked character. Life with her would drive Joel to self-destruction but he simply can’t fathom of life without her. The supporting cast is nothing short of sensational and is highlighted by Tom Wilkinson, Mark Ruffalo, Elijah Wood and Kirsten Dunst. They provide a subplot in reality that I felt was unneeded but it was fairly well accomplished so no harm done.

In all, I absolutely loved this movie. Most romance-type films depict the perfect couple who lives happily thereafter but in real life, just about every relationship has issues that have to be worked around and it’s nice to see a movie about a flawed relationship, about two people who might have loved each other but still may end up going their separate way. The ending is open-ended and it’s up to the viewer to decide what ultimately would have happened.

A twisted, winding and yet extremely well-told film, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is an unforgettable movie that is a profound meditation on the meaning and consequences of love.

A

Notes: Rated R for language, some drug and sexual content. 108 minutes.