Unconventional Romances – print

The premise of a couple erasing each other from their memories seems an inauspicious way to examine a romantic relationship, but this is precisely what makes Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind such an absolute treat of a film. We encounter Joel (Jim Carrey) and Clem’s (Kate Winslet) shared experiences as they reflect on them, which is made even more surreal when the two become self-aware within Joel’s memory and have to virtually flee from their erasors. Consequently, the film blends genres to become a sort of thriller, and this high-octane nature adds an unconventional dimension to both the good and bad episodes of their relationship.
Charlie Kaufmann’s non-linear time structure also really pays off towards the film’s close. There’s an excruciating sequence where the two, unconsciously meeting for the second time, are forced to endure recorded outpourings of contempt for each other – the ugly side of romance that’s usually reserved for when everything has fallen apart at the seams.