Search - Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (Widescreen Edition) on DVD

RD C. (allepaca) from TEMPE, AZ
Reviewed on 2/16/2011...

Well, I just read some of the reviews of this amazing flick, on Amazon. (sigh….) Basically, the negative commentary seems to boil down to this: "It makes my brain hurt! I be confoosed!" One must assume that they saw "Jim Carrey" in the billing, and were expecting another Ace Ventura sequel…?

Thinking just isn't in style in this country anymore, is it? Reading those so-called "reviews" of this gem is like reading a page or two of historical "wisdom" from a certain attention-craving, ex-(part-time)-governor from Alaska. It's just sad to realize that our education system has really failed that badly. Ah well, pointing at lemmings never makes them anything but sillier. And I'm glad to note that, like here, the favorable (and thoughtful) reviews far outnumber the simplistic spewings.

About the movie:

This critically acclaimed and Oscar-winning screenplay provides a typically brilliant, quirky and chancy role for Kate Winslet, who has opted to be in some of the most interesting (and intelligent) flix in the last two decades (and I ain't just talkin' 'bout Titanic, folks). I have learned, in my cable-and-dish meanderings, that Kate is just NEVER in a bad or boring movie. She seems to hold out for the most challenging and diverse roles, and throws herself into them full-tilt. Needless to say, this film is no exception. The supporting cast is also very good, and well-selected.

The real surprise here is Carrey, who is almost exclusively known as a master of silly, physical comedy. With the possible exception of The Truman Show, this may well be his best (and is certainly his most sensitive) role, ever. His portrayal reminds me of several people I've known throughout life, and it's the sign of a great actor that he's able to make someone so different from his "normal" self seem so real, and complex.

Interesting on several tiers, this movie definitely has its hilarious moments, and is continuously entertaining. Though billed as a "romantic fantasy", the film also crosses into the realm of smart, speculative fiction-- reminiscent of Harlan Ellison, or Phillip K. Dick. Yet it also manages to keep its plot points grounded in the emotional realities common to anyone who's ever suffered for love. And there are some quite touching moments, which might just have you in tears, as well.

Well Done!

7 of 9 member(s) found this review helpful.

Alison C. from NEWARK, NJ
Reviewed on 3/3/2010...

By far, one of my favorite films of all time. Jim Carrey at his absolute best. Kate Winslet, while playing a fun character, was a little annoying from time to time, but that was the character.

0 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Brady K. from LONGMONT, CO
Reviewed on 9/2/2009...

I requested this movie knowing full well how much I loved it. The request was to replace a copy that I had loaned (and now just given) to a friend from my past. Eternal Sunshine is such an important movie to me that I wish I could give all my friends a copy. If nothing else than to give them a small look into who I am; more so with the hope of giving them new perspective on their own selves. Loves/lives. The acting is brilliant. The music is brilliant. It has everything I need to feel like I lived what the characters lived. Meaningless comraderie. Profound substantive mingling of hearts. Philosophical inquiry. And top it all off with love. I know I didn't really just say anything about the movie. If you know nothing about it except what I just said, please do yourself a favor and read nothing more. There is nothing more beautiful than to start a movie like this with no more preconceived notions.

1 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.

Jason C. (JJC) from NEWARK, NJ
Reviewed on 12/28/2007...

I cannot recommend this film enough.

Talk about a talented filmmaker, video director Michel Gondry and avant-garde writer Charlie Kaufman ("Being John Malkovich", "Adaptation") presents us a great love story of science-fiction proportions. A mixture of Philip K. Dick and modern-day romantic relationship ups and downs.

In a nutshell, the film surrounds the very quiet and docile Joel (Jim Carrey) and very nutty and eccentric Clementine (Kate Winslet) who meet and instantly get involved in a romantic relationship. However, after a year and a recent breakup, Joel seeks her out and it seems that Clementine has no idea who Joel is anymore, as if he was a stranger.

In a quick investigation, Joel realizes that he has been erased from Clementine's memory, in a facility called Lacuna, that specializes in scientifically altering the brain in wiping out certain people and the events that transpond with them. So, Joel decides to do the same.

However, during the process of elimination, Joel mentally tries to save his memories of Clementine, realizing that he wants to save those memories, and at the same time hears the techs rambling during the erasing process in his home; confusing the two matters. In the meantime, one of Lacuna's technicians falls for Clementine and totally screws up the process...it's hard to explain in words especially without spoiling, so you simply NEED TO WATCH IT.

All in all, the film is brilliant, hands down. Originality at its finest. Michel Gondry is a fantastic director, bringing Kaufman's brilliant script to the screen. We have seen Carrey handle a serious film before, and in this turn, shows us a completely different side of Jim Carrey. Kate Winslet is always great and is amazing as Clem, and great support from Kirsten Dunst, Mark Ruffalo, Elijah Wood and Tom Wilkinson just fill up the greatness.

Remarkably edited and well put together...genius sci-fi!

3 of 4 member(s) found this review helpful.