Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Originally, I wanted to write a longwinded analysis of my love for this playful jewel of a movie. But after watching it a few times over, I said to myself “to the hell with it". So, in brief: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind simply IS the best movie to be made (not only) over the past years. Want to know why? If that’s the case, you’ll have to watch the fatal relationship of Joel and Clementine (...no jokes about her name!) for yourselves. It’s an experience that’s just indescribable in words. (08/12/2004)

The most unusual romantic movie I have seen. Cleverly and intelligently directed, but at times quite confusing and not entirely likeable (as a romance). From a romantic comedy, I do expect a bit more personal approach and the opportunity to go deeper, which is not the case here due to the frantic pace and complexity of the script. The film is rather cold, detached, and in a way, not very viewer-friendly. But the twist and the overall construction of the story are very original. For fans of traditionally styled, conservative romances, it will certainly not get top marks and will not be the film of the year by any means. (09/12/2008)

In one word, a clever film that relies on the screenplay of arguably the best and most creative contemporary Hollywood screenwriter, Andy Kaufman, and which can boast of smart and inventive directing as well as excellent cast. This film is reminiscent of the best Czechoslovak parodies and fantastic movies of the 70s. Playful and intelligent filmmaking. Overall impression: 85%. (06/18/2006)

An incredible sci-fi romance, characterized by excellent acting performances, but above all, by a genius screenplay written by Charlie Kaufman. Well, Michel Gondry also contributed, after all. Something unique was created, which will either enchant you or make you view it as an oddity, especially if you fail to understand the film. It's not easy, but try to watch it. You won't experience something similar easily. (12/12/2013)

Everyone here is (rightly) praising Kaufman, but Gondry's direction, full of visual ideas and technical finesse, is just as brilliant as the script. Above all, it's to Gondry's credit that the plot puzzle doesn't fall apart like a house of cards and that the typical "Kaufman-esque" apparent chaos (it may seem so on the first viewing, but it makes perfect sense with the next screening) can be calmly absorbed the first time. In short, directorial work par excellence, which is not surprising, because a guy who has made such amazing videos for Bjork can't be second rate. I like this film more with each viewing, there is something new to find every time and it always manages to beautifully caress the soul. For me, one of the best and most original films of recent years. (01/29/2005)