Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

I watched this movie after being introduced by my housemate from Singapore. It took a little persuasion for me to actually watch a Jim Carrey movie as I am not a huge fan of his. But since it was "highly recommended", I decided to give it a go.....and I was pleasantly surprised.

This is a very short synopsis of the movie, found at IMDb:
A couple undergo a procedure to erase each other from their memories when their relationship turns sour, but it is only through the process of loss that they discover what they had to begin with.

Yeah, it's like a synopsis of a synopsis...but believe me, this is all you need to know. If you read more, it would definitely spoil your viewing experience.  If you generally don't enjoy "You jump, I jump" romantic movies, don't worry...This movie is anything but.

What I liked about the movie:
1. The acting by Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet. Jim is known to be a comedian - this movie is NOT a comedy. Kate is known for her elegance - this movie shows the side of her that is quirky and relaxed. Here's proof that both actors have the versatility that many others in their field lack...very refreshing!
2. Though it was classified as Romance, this movie was brilliantly editted that you will think you are watching a psychological thriller. I was glued to the screen and my attention went on overdrive as I was trying to grasp the storyline. Not that the storyline itself was complicated, it was the arrangement of the scenes that may seem confusing. A little like reading The Time Traveller's Wife!
3. The theme of the movie was simple and yet so painfully true. "Only through the process of loss that they discover what they had to begin with". Don't we all need this reminder from time to time?
4. Very original. So very touching too.

What I disliked:
1. I do not like the idea that human should be given the option to forget. Emotionally driven creatures that we are, choosing to forget or erasing bad memories will change who we are as a person. The learning process occur most when we fail or face challenges. And I'm pretty sure, these are the stuff that people would like to erase given the chance. No, God did not put us here so that we can have a choice.
2. I was left with a slight headache after the intense movie-watching. Several times I had to playback and pause - very irritating since it made me feel dumb :)

This is one of those movies that should be seen more than once.


* In many cases, posts are subjected to the limitation of knowledge and experience of the writer; they are merely personal opinions and not facts.