Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind stars Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet as Joel and Clementine, two opposites (He a lonely introvert and she fearless and quirky) who quickly fall from one another, unaware that they were previously involved until one sought out a memory erasure! This sometimes sweet romantic comedy with a tale about the value of cherished memories intertwines with a cautionary second plot about the dangers of using a mind-altering device and allowing unknown agencies to meddle with memories. Elijah Wood gives a creepy turn as an identity-stealing technician named Patrick, Kirsten Dunst as a secretary named Mary who's involved with the company behind the memory erasing, and Mark Ruffalo as another technician, Stan, who has been involved with Mary and he, along with Patrick, are responsible for Joel and Clementine's continued dilemmas. Sometimes confusing and trying to juggle being a romantic comedy with science fiction and psychological thriller elements, ESotSM works best as a film showing just how hard it is to remain committed to a complex relationship. Kate and Jim make it fun to watch.

Erik M.