We all have memories we would rather not think about, and maybe even a few we wish we could forget. But what are the consequences of forgetting certain things? Is it really possible to just live life without these painful or embarrassing moments and still be the same person we are today? Or are we shaped to be the person we are because of our experiences, whether they be good or bad?
Michel Gondry's 2004 movie Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind explores this idea by creating a world in which memories can be targeted and erased at a person's request. The film features a couple, Joel and Clementine (played by Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet), who have ended their long term relationship years ago. However, Joel runs into Clementine one rainy morning only to discover that she has taken the liberty of having the memory of their relationship erased. Already on emotionally on edge, Joel decides the best course of action is to request the same procedure be done on himself, so as to forget the emotional turmoil the sting of painful memories causes.
Most of the film uniquely takes place inside of Joel's mind as he undergoes the procedure. His mind is made into an environment in which we can see Joels's memories and simultaneously hear his thoughts reverberating inside his head. As the procedure begins, we see how Joel's tendency to be emotionally withdrawn conflicted with the passion possessed by free-spirit Clementine, ultimately leading to the end of the relationship. The memories are erased in reverse order and as Joel gets to the earlier stages of the relationship, both he and the movie's viewers begin to see that maybe the pair were not so bad for each other after all. As the erasing progresses, Joel regrets his decision, focussing all of his mental energy trying to regain consciousness so as to end the procedure and keep the memories of an important part of his life that should not be forgotten.
While the film operates mostly inside of Joel's head, there is also a parallel storyline happening in real time, in which the doctors performing the procedure. It turns out these characters have as much drama in their lives as Joel and Clementine, having also undergone the procedure themselves. (Note: The transition between settings may confuse viewers, similarly one of my earlier posts discussing how the story changes of Pulp Fiction could be confusing for viewers watching for the first time. Click here to read more.)
Eternal Sunshine begs the question of what the consequences of forgetting an experience, a time, or a person entirely will be. Looking at Joel's regret of his decision, it becomes obvious that memories are what craft the people we are today. Joel realizes this as he tries so desperately to cling to his past as it is being taken from him. The film shows us that when we lose an experience, a time, or even a person from our memories we lose the parts of ourselves that these experiences helped to shape. While the plot revolves around a couple, it is not the romance between the two that the Oscar winning screenwriters of this film were aiming to convey. Rather was the idea that while you can try to get rid of a negative experience, doing so would change who you are, and not necessary for the good.
I am also a sucker for movies that say their title in the film.
