Tags
American film, Charlie Kaufman, cinema, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Michel Gondry
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind probably takes the cake as the best Valentine’s Day movie ever. After a thorough scouring of our (ever-growing) shelf, it became clear how few romantic movies that aren’t (strictly speaking) comedies or musicals end on a feelgood note. Those that do tend to be adaptations of Jane Austen novels (which can be quite good) or melodramatic saccharine (copies of which we have none). Charlie Kaufman and Michel Gondry are a match made in heaven, with Gondry’s dreamy camera giving Kaufman’s sometimes-overly-heady content a healthy and lighter perspective. This film could have easily sunk into incoherence and narrative contradictions, even without the forgiving subjective point of view. My Valentine pointed out the abortive nature of memory-murder, one that attempts erasure of the past, traumatizes rather than heals, and rejects personal responsibility. Through these allegorical spectacles, a series of uncanny similarities comes into crisp view and shows an effective though accidental parallel truth. A deep and willing immersion into the affections of another reveals hidden convictions. In amorem veritas.
A favourite film of mine! I very much agree with your thoughts on it – Gondry really is a master of the camera.
After reading through this article, I feel that I really need more information on the topic. Can you suggest some resources please?
Jane, I apologize for my late reply. I’ve had a number of personal matters recently that have kept me occupied. Though it may be too late for you to read this, please clarify what sort of information you’re seeking. Something on a certain topic regarding the film, or about film in general? Being a student, I can probably suggest resources if I have a better idea what you mean. Thanks.
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