Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

As in the other films Charlie Kaufman has written the screenplay for, we head into the mind on a real rollercoaster ride in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. The title alone hints at the film's complexity, and the plot is almost impossible to recount because of the reverse chronology and the different levels of reality on which it unfolds.

Joel Barish and Clementine meet seemingly by pure chance, are attracted to each other and spend a day and a night together, during which a special understanding develops between them. In reality there is nothing random about their meeting. In fact they already know each other, they just do not know it. How is that even possible?

It turns out that Joel and Clementine have been a couple for a year when the relationship comes under too much strain because of their differences. Joel is the quiet type, while Clementine is impulsive and unconventional. Clementine leaves Joel and at the same time has her memory of him erased. Out of revenge and to ease his heartache, Joel decides on a similar procedure, but he has second thoughts. He cannot stop the process, however, so instead, in a semi-conscious state, he tries to hide his memories of Clementine.

At times this wild mental flight becomes too much, and like the protagonist you feel like shouting that you want out - out into a reality that makes some kind of sense. The film is nicely rounded off, though, and if you can still muster the energy after the sensory bombardment, you can also find some rather fine little points and messages. The last scene with Joel and Clementine confirms that you should not always choose the easy way out. In a way the film comments on the modern tendency to be unable to cope with any adversity whatsoever. The solution is either pills or crisis counselling - and in this case, which is completely absurd, erasing your memory so that you do not have to confront all the conflict and unpleasantness in life.