Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

[Greater Geek]

I did a search and couldn't find a thread on this film.

I like this movie, but had a funny question... Every woman I meet says she loves this movie. Why? I mean, don't get me wrong, it's a wonderful, creative movie, but isn't it a really hopeless romance? Why do women love that idea? Curious if someone could shed some light on this for me.

Also, I made a minimalist poster for the movie, too.

 

[Broseph44]

Absolutely love this movie, been a long while since I've seen it. But this is. Favorite of mine for sure. Jim was wonderful in it.

 

[Consona]

Absolutely love this movie, been a long while since I've seen it. But this is. Favorite of mine for sure. Jim was wonderful in it.

+1

And since I've been through a very similar relationship, this film really resonates with me... And yes, if there had been a possiblity to get my memories erased, I would have done that, too.

 

[Smilodon]

I wouldn't necessarily say it is a hopeless romance as much as it an exploration of who we are and how that is comes into existence. Are we destined to be a certain way or are we the sum of our own experiences? It is done through the lens of a romance but I think what makes Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind such a meaningful and pervasive film is really all the themes it manages to touch upon.

Not that you have to look at it that way to enjoy the film, but it's also a film that is fun to analyze and think about critically, and is a film that stands scrutinization.

 

[Lasirius]

One of my favorite films. I have yet to meet more women who have even seen the movie.

 

[Tacit Ronin]

One of the greatest films of the 21st century. As for it being a 'hopeless romance', Vision's words in AOS comes to mind: something isn't beautiful because it lasts. What isn't there an end to in the known unierse? Just because their relationship may sour and degrade (again) does not mean their romance was hopeless.

 

[TheBat812]

Ya, this is also one of my top 5 films. It's not a hopeless romance, but one that resonates with anyone who's had a meaningful relationship filled with ups and downs.

The reasons we fall in love are not trivial, and even in the face of ourselves they still feel inevitable and enduring. I love that it doesn't end happily ever after, but with the idea that both feel strongly enough that they're willing to try again despite everybody including themselves telling them not to do it. Because the feeling of happiness can be worth it, even if it doesn't ultimately pan out (although dunst and Wilkinson's characters represent the other side of that coin).

But in the case of the story itself, who knows, now maybe with the information they have they can see where they went wrong and try to improve upon it while still getting the happiness their first go round gave them. Because it is so ambiguous yet hopeful at the end, I think it lets men and women both appreciate it in their own unique yet positive ways.

Anyways, this movie is just so well made all the way through, with some amazing sequences that are both viscerally stunning and emotionally resonant. The writing, the performances, the music/score, sound design, etc. Just all some of the best combination of elements I've ever seen.

 

[Octoberist]

It remains to be Gondry's greatest piece of work.

Though I'll give 'Be Kind Rewind' some credit for the creation of 'sweeping'.