Alfred Tennyson once wrote that 'it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all'. Wise words that apply to Joel Barish, the protagonist of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, written by Charlie Kauffman and directed by Michel Gondry. Joel is upset when he finds out that his ex-girlfriend, Clementine Kruczynski has used a service, Lacuna, to erase Joel from her memories. Joel decides to undergo the treatment himself to erase Clementine. However, after the procedure starts to take effect, old memories resurface that remind Joel that he still loves Clementine after all.
The scenes inside Joel's head are the highlight of the film. Initially the memories make sense, but as the process continues, memories start to blue together and blank spots appear where the memories start to go. Director Michel Gondry does a really good job of presenting what a strange dreamlike state this would be. The acting also helps, as we see Jim Carey play Joel as an adult, and also adult Joel reexperiencing what it is like to be a child.
The Lacuna process gives the audience more insights into the relationship between Joel and Clementine. Joel is outwardly shy and nice but is often cautious to the point of being boring. Clementine's colorful hair, interesting clothing and outwardly fun personality hide her insecurities and drinking problems. As the relationship goes on they both start to get on each others nerves. Clementine finds Joel boring while Joel finds her unpredictable and careless. Neither of them are more right than the other and they both could have made better decisions within the relationship.
While Joel is experiencing the erasing procedure, events are also occurring in his apartment back in he real world. Patrick and Stan, the two Lacuna workers performing the erasal are having their own relationship dramas. Patrick is dating Clementine while Stan is dating Mary who secretly likes Howard. It is also fun watching their dialogue bleed into Joel's unconscious mind, forcing him to fight for Clementine.
Over time we discover that the Lacuna are people are just as badly affected by their relationships as Joel. Ultimately, all the characters realise that their memories are important.
The cast of this film are all excellent. It's hard to imagine anyone other than Joel Carey playing Joel. He successfully portrays Joel as an awkward loner without making him appear too pathetic to sympathise with. Kate Winslet also shows her variety in playing a more punkish character with hidden insecurities.
Like many of the best films, Eternal Sunshine doesn't fit easily into one particular category. There are moments that could be classified as a 'rom-com' or others that feel like they come from a science fiction film, but it never commits to either, keeping the audience on their toes. There is no happy ending at the end. Joel and Clementine get together, but they are both aware that the relationship could break apart again. It is hoped that the second time around will be better, but it is not.
10/10
