# Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [February 14, 2004, 6:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind/229178 "2004-02-14T06:51:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Diff\_T](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4da419/32.png) [@Diff\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diff_T)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2004, 7:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind/229178/41 "2004-03-22T07:40:31Z")
I personally feel that this film’s more appealing to men, than most movies that deal with romance. I often feel that most of the male characters in romance movies are either jerks, morons, or perfect in every conceivable way, (yet the woman never falls for the good looking, successful guy, with a heart of gold until the end of the movie). The female is hardly ever to blame for anything in most relationship movie, (imho). I’m sure this is because they are considered “chick flick”, and men are so used to that type of characterization, they don’t really care. High Fidelity was a great romance film from the males point of view, but it did little, (if anything), to change the lead male’s role into something less familiar. Joel quotes: ::Paraphrasing:: “Constantly Talking doesn’t necessarily mean that your communicating.” “She thinks that changing her hair color all of the time makes her original, and different, but it’s really just bullshit.” (correct me if I was way off with either quote, I want to know what he said, because they sounded like something I would say). ---
**Author:** ![Tarrsk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/97f17d/32.png) [@Tarrsk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tarrsk)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2004, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind/229178/42 "2004-03-22T13:46:09Z")
> [@edwino](#): > > According to [url=“[http://www.imdb.com/Charts/](http://www.imdb.com/Charts/)”]My favorite scene: > > In the bookstore, talking near the end. The titles on the books gradually disappear. At first you can barely notice. Then more quickly, then the whole bookstore, then Clem fades away. First the frivolous details, that which is not imparted strongly on the memory, fade, followed by everything, leaving only the core to dissolve the last. That was one of my favorites, as well. In fact, I was really pleased with all of the “erasure” scenes- the special effects were great, but executed tastefully so that you never felt like a shot was there just for the technicians to show off their CGI skills. The one you mentioned was one of the best, along with the brief shot in Clem’s apartment when you can see her over a television set. If you watch carefully, you’ll notice that the TV screen is displaying a blurred version of the part of her body that it’s blocking. It gives the shot a fantastically surreal feeling. ---
**Author:** ![NotWithoutRage](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/22d042/32.png) [@NotWithoutRage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NotWithoutRage)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2004, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind/229178/43 "2004-03-22T19:10:34Z")
I liked it, liked it a lot. What a great concept, and very well scripted and acted. And the ending… with the voiceover of the letter, returning the files was just perfect. One minor nitpick, not really a spoiler. The first scene in the movie takes place on February 14, 2004, and Joel is on his way to work, along with many other commuters. But February 14, 2004 was a Saturday. ---
**Author:** ![Judith\_Prietht](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b19c9b/32.png) [@Judith\_Prietht](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Judith_Prietht)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2004, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind/229178/44 "2004-03-22T20:34:36Z")
Unfortunately I was very tired when I went to see Eternal Sunshine and I felt myself starting to nod off at turns; I think it was a combination of the music and the photography. I did enjoy the story; not as much as Adaptation (which I thought was brilliant), but a little more so than Being John Malkovich. I thought Jim Carrey did a good subdued performance and I highly enjoyed seeing him portray Joel as a child, hiding under the kitchen table; and Kate Winslet was fantastic. One scene in particular haunts me, in the creepy kind of way: When Joel is going through the Lacuna offices and comes across the horrific rendering of Patrick, crouched down by the filing cabinet with upside-down eyes. That’s going to stick with me for a long time. ---
**Author:** ![vivalostwages](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/d07c76/32.png) [@vivalostwages](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vivalostwages)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2004, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind/229178/45 "2004-03-23T01:28:44Z")
> [@LoganDear](#): > > Agreed! That was such a great film! > > Also loved **Eternal Sunshine…** - reminded me so much of my own experience. I also love the whole time/memory theme. Great stuff. Will definitely own this one. > > Anyone seen **Human Nature**? (I haven’t seen it, I’m just asking as it’s another Charlie Kaufman film that no one seems to have mentioned… unless I missed it) > > Logan. I’ll see if I can find **Human Nature** , now that you’ve mentioned it. Ruffalo is a writer and director too. I think he’ll have a lot more work offered to him now. ---
**Author:** ![boobah](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/46a35a/32.png) [@boobah](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boobah)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2004, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind/229178/46 "2004-03-23T01:36:35Z")
> [@vivalostwages](#): > > I’ll see if I can find **Human Nature** , now that you’ve mentioned it. > > Ruffalo is a writer and director too. I think he’ll have a lot more work offered to him now. Naah, Human Nature was very disappointing. Skip it. Am I the only one who confuses Mark Ruffalo and Vincent D’Onofrio? ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2004, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind/229178/47 "2004-03-23T01:55:30Z")
I actually didn’t realize it was Mark Ruffalo until I saw the credits. I haven’t ever liked him before but he was funny great in this. I felt for him at the end. ---
**Author:** ![kalex](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/dfb087/32.png) [@kalex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kalex)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2004, 5:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind/229178/48 "2004-03-23T05:14:12Z")
I saw it yesterday morning…it was poignant, and beautiful, certainly one of my top 10 movies. I loved the fact that it didn’t turn into A Race Against Time to Save the Woman He Loves (although unlikely in a Charlie Kaufman movie!) It made me think about my ex husband, and how little I remember of our lives together…it’s been ten years and I _know_ we must have had some good times, but I’ll be damned if I can recall. ---
**Author:** ![MyFootsZZZ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/myfootszzz/32/12580_2.png) [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2004, 7:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind/229178/49 "2004-03-23T07:40:52Z")
Some of my friends are convinced that this will turn into a “cult” favorite. I suppose it’s possible, there are plenty of people who love the movie, but is it the type of movie that could receive a “cult” like status? ---
**Author:** ![Equipoise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/equipoise/32/151_2.png) [@Equipoise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Equipoise)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2004, 10:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind/229178/50 "2004-03-23T10:41:47Z")
I love this movie! It’s going to be at or near the top of my list at the end of the year too. I keep thinking about it. It haunts me too, and I can’t wait to see it again. > [@MyFootsZZZ](#): > > Some of my friends are convinced that this will turn into a “cult” favorite. I suppose it’s possible, there are plenty of people who love the movie, but is it the type of movie that could receive a “cult” like status? It’s exactly the type of movie that will be a cult favorite. Response may be muted here, but on movie message boards people are raving about this movie, deeply LOVING this film, and it’s only been out a few days. It’s the kind of movie that (for those who like/love it) gets better the more you think about it, and will get better upon repeat viewings. On the other hand, Joe and Jane Six Pack seem to be either not going to see it, walking out on it, or hating it because it’s too weird and/or they don’t like to think when they watch films. I’d like to be surprised by the general public and see this brilliant film become a hit, but I’m not holding my breath. I’d also like to see it get some Oscar consideration but that won’t happen if it’s seen as a “flop.” ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2004, 11:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind/229178/51 "2004-03-23T11:49:33Z")
Actually, I found the herky-jerky camera work and unecessarily inconsistant focus-work physically nauseating, and started to feel queasy about a third of the way in. Fortunately, I saw _Dawn of the Dead_ later that evening and that settled my stomach right down. ---
**Author:** ![MyFootsZZZ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/myfootszzz/32/12580_2.png) [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2004, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind/229178/52 "2004-03-24T01:43:43Z")
When I think of a “cult” movie, I think of a movie that’s easy for people to watch together, perhaps several times. Maybe it’s because it seems that almost everyone I know is going through a breakup, but I think this is the type of movie that’s makes me feel a little awkward with other certain other people. I think a lot of the audience felt a little odd walking out of the theater at the end of the movie. It was just so quiet. ---
**Author:** ![jackelope](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a6a055/32.png) [@jackelope](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jackelope)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2004, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind/229178/53 "2004-03-24T02:41:30Z")
Saw this yesterday and loved it; unfortunately I got distracted by something about halfway through and I’m not entirely clear on how it ended because I couldn’t really focus, but I was enraptured until then. One detail (of many) that I loved: That Joel called Clementine “tangerine.” Presumably it’s because of the orange hair and sweatshirt, but I wonder if he knew there’s a kind of tangerine called a “Clementine”? Or maybe that’s why she wears orange in the first place, since she’s grown up with the same name as a type of tangerine? Anyway, as a devotee of citrus fruits, I got a kick out of it. ---
**Author:** ![cmkeller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmkeller/32/118_2.png) [@cmkeller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmkeller)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2004, 5:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind/229178/54 "2004-03-24T05:41:41Z")
I enjoyed the movie. Kirsten Dunst was FANTASTIC. The look of horror on her face when she was told she’d already slept with the doctor but she had her memory of it erased was FANTASTIC. I really hope she graduates to some Oscar-considered roles soon, I’d hate to see a talent like hers mired in teenage girl-ville. I mean she did great jobs in Spider-Man and Dick as well, but who’ll ever nominate those for Oscars? Am I the only one who was a bit put off by the fact that after Joel hears his tape and discovers that in his prior relationship with Clem the main source of discord was her alcoholism and what precipitated their last fight was her drunk driving…and when she comes over to his house, he still offers her a drink…and she takes it? I mean, it seemed like they wanted to make the relationship work this time. ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2004, 7:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind/229178/55 "2004-03-24T07:10:31Z")
I’m going to wait until this one is out on DVD. From the trailer, I’m pretty sure I’m going to really like it, or really hate it. Seeing it in the theather if it’s the latter will make me hate it even more, so I’m not going to risk it. ---
**Author:** ![SpartanDC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b2d939/32.png) [@SpartanDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpartanDC)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2004, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind/229178/56 "2004-03-24T16:20:30Z")
> [@Equipoise](#): > > It’s exactly the type of movie that will be a cult favorite. Response may be muted here, but on movie message boards people are raving about this movie, deeply LOVING this film, and it’s only been out a few days. What boards are you talking about, **Equipoise** , because I’d love to talk to those people. I’ve already run into several friends of mine that the first words out of their mouth is, “Have you seen Eternal Sunshine??” For me and many others, the movie has really been a kind of life-altering experience. I’ve been in a better mood with a better perspective on things ever since I saw it. ---
**Author:** ![Troy\_McClure\_SF](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troy_mcclure_sf/32/4150_2.png) [@Troy\_McClure\_SF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Troy_McClure_SF)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2004, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind/229178/57 "2004-03-24T18:17:07Z")
> [@MyFootsZZZ](#): > > I know of …women JUST LIKE Clementine, (give or take a few minor details). I’ll gladly give you a cheeseburger on Friday to meet her today. 😉 I’ve found myself quite enthralled with this movie. Seen it twice so far, probably another time by the weekend. Last time I walked out of a movie theater with a jaw dropped that low was _Moulin Rouge!_ I think every can relate so well to this movie. Everyone remembers the horrible end to their relationships, and the good parts get buried so deep unless something brings them out. It reminded me of my last girlfriend… were were pissy at each other a lot near the end, and that became the lasting memory, despite all the “let me keep just this one memory” moments we’d shared. Also weird since I saw this movie with her. 😉 Very touching movie. I’ll definitely recommend seeing it again; you’ll pick up a lot more meaning as you go along, kinda like the _Sixth Sense_. I think this movie will push me over the edge and get me to buy a DVD player. ---
**Author:** ![Larry\_Mudd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f14d63/32.png) [@Larry\_Mudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Mudd)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2004, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind/229178/58 "2004-03-25T01:34:04Z")
> [@Yookeroo](#): > > The next time someone wants to make a movie based on PK Dick material, they need to get Kaufman to so the adaptation. No doubt! I avoided all reviews and discussion of this film by design, counting on the Charlie Kaufman script being reason enough to see it, so I didn’t really have a clear idea of the plot going in. By the time they got to the offices of Lacuna, Inc (heh) I was jumping up and down, screaming (sub-vocally) “Oh my God! This is _We Can Forget It For You Wholesale!_” 😃 Best Relationship Movie Ever. The bit at the end where They glumly predict the course of their relationship: “I’ll start to get bored and feel trapped, because that’s what I do,” etc, and then agree “Okay.” "Yeah, okay."Total choke-up moment. Probably an impossible movie to watch without projecting your own relationships onto. God knows I’ve had enough that have ended over trivial grievances or basic _ennui_ – only to look back on and think “Did I really toss that away over _that?_ What the _hell_ was I thinking?” On the other hand, “I’m just a screwed up girl looking for my own peace of mind.” Jesus I wish I’d seen this movie five years ago. Anyway… all the giddy frenetic stuff with Joel and Clem running around trying to stay ahead of the “erasers” was fantastic. Things fading, winking out, falling apart. I will love this movie forever. I’m sure of _that_, at least. ---
**Author:** ![Tarrsk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/97f17d/32.png) [@Tarrsk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tarrsk)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2004, 7:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind/229178/59 "2004-03-25T07:10:49Z")
> [@SNenc](#): > > What boards are you talking about, **Equipoise** , because I’d love to talk to those people. I’ve already run into several friends of mine that the first words out of their mouth is, “Have you seen Eternal Sunshine??” For me and many others, the movie has really been a kind of life-altering experience. I’ve been in a better mood with a better perspective on things ever since I saw it. I lurk at the [CHUD.com](http://CHUD.com) forums, and they’re absolutely raving about this movie over there. Over 150 responses to the “Post Release Eternal Sunshine” thread, and I don’t think there’s more than two or three negative responses in the bunch. CHUD’s forums have become somewhat infested by trolls of late, but the Eternal Sunshine thread, at least, has been free of their presence so far. > [@](#): > > I’m going to wait until this one is out on DVD. From the trailer, I’m pretty sure I’m going to really like it, or really hate it. Seeing it in the theather if it’s the latter will make me hate it even more, so I’m not going to risk it. Normally, I’d say this was a good way to treat any movie you’re not sure about, but not this one. The sound design is too good, and the best special effects too subtle, for you to miss seeing _Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind_ on the big screen. What do you think you might dislike about it? Those of us who have seen it might be able to offer some non-spoiler information that would clear this up for you. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Equipoise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/equipoise/32/151_2.png) [@Equipoise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Equipoise)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2004, 9:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind/229178/60 "2004-03-25T09:22:08Z")
> [@SNenc](#): > > What boards are you talking about, **Equipoise** , because I’d love to talk to those people. I’ve already run into several friends of mine that the first words out of their mouth is, “Have you seen Eternal Sunshine??” For me and many others, the movie has really been a kind of life-altering experience. I’ve been in a better mood with a better perspective on things ever since I saw it. I know what you mean. My husband and I saw it again today and yes, it was even better. I want to see it over and over again. Besides CHUD, which Tarrsk already mentioned, [http://www.hometheaterforum.com](http://www.hometheaterforum.com) (in the Movies section) and [oscarwatch.com](http://oscarwatch.com) are the ones I was thinking about. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind/229178.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind/229178.md?page=4)