Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

2004

Director: Michel Gondry

Distributors: Focus Features

Key Elements: Visuals – Message – Concept – Music

My Review:

There are two reasons I like this movie.

First, it is so creatively done. The non-linear story telling really draws you in. The visual effects are both playful and subtle. And the music fits both the characters and the story.

But the second thing I love is the movie’s ending. It’s the story of a man fighting (within his own head) for the woman he loves. When things get too hard for her, she checks out. But he doesn’t. In the end, she tries to tell him that it’s not going to work between them, that they’re going to fight and it will be hard. His response is simply “OK.”

His willingness to accept her, hardships and all, brings tears to her eyes. It’s what love really looks like. It’s no fairytale. It’s no soaring romance. It’s two people putting up with all the difficulties of life – together. Awesome message.

Trailer:



Quotes:

• ...Our files are confidential Mr. Barish so we can't show you any evidence. Suffice it to say, Miss Kruczynski was not happy and she wanted to move on. We provide that possibility.
• Well, technically speaking, the operation is brain damage, but it's on a par with a night of heavy drinking. Nothing you'll miss.
• He's off the map. He's off the map!
• Blessed are the forgetful, for they get the better even of their blunders.
• Can you hear me? I don't want this any more! I want to call it off!
• How happy is the blameless vessel’s lot! …The world forgetting, by the world forgot …Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind! …Each pray'r accepted, and each wish resign'd.
• I did. I thought maybe you were a nut... but you were exciting.
• Come back and make up a good-bye at least. Let's pretend we had one.
• This is it, Joel. It's going to be gone soon.
  - I know. What do we do?
  Enjoy it.
• Meet me... in Montauk...
• I can't see anything that I don't like about you.
  - But you will! But you will. You know, you will think of things. And I'll get bored with you and feel trapped because that's what happens with me.
  Okay.
  - Okay?
  Okay.
  - …Okay.

Stills: