MOVIE OF THE MONTH
JUNE ‘25
MOVIE OF THE MONTH
JUNE ‘25
ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF
THE SPOTLESS MIND
Directed by Michel Gondry | 2004 | 108 min
“MEET ME IN MONTAUK.”
Blending science fiction, romance, and dark comedy, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind tells the story of Joel (Jim Carrey) and Clementine (Kate Winslet), two lovers who undergo a memory-erasure procedure to forget their failed relationship. The film unfolds mostly in reverse, inside Joel’s mind, revealing the relationship’s painful end and moving toward its beginning.
We first discovered this film in college and were instantly struck by its originality, the emotionally layered performances, and Jon Brion’s powerful score. Years later, as we developed Rearview, the nonlinear structure of Eternal Sunshine (and Gaspar Noé’s Irreversible) strongly influenced our decision to structure the story through reverse chronological flashbacks. Our film, set over the course of one night, reveals the backstory of Eli through his memories.
We also drew from the rawness of Joel and Clementine’s arguments when writing a pivotal confrontation in Rearview. While our film is darker and less sentimental in tone, we’re deeply indebted to Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind for shaping our understanding of narrative, memory, and the complicated aftermath of love.
ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF
THE SPOTLESS MIND
Directed by Michel Gondry 2004 | 108 min
“MEET ME IN MONTAUK.”
Blending science fiction, romance, and dark comedy, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind tells the story of Joel (Jim Carrey) and Clementine (Kate Winslet), two lovers who undergo a memory-erasure procedure to forget their failed relationship. The film unfolds mostly in reverse, inside Joel’s mind, revealing the relationship’s painful end and moving toward its beginning.
We first discovered this film in college and were instantly struck by its originality, the emotionally layered performances, and Jon Brion’s powerful score. Years later, as we developed Rearview, the nonlinear structure of Eternal Sunshine (and Gaspar Noé’s Irreversible) strongly influenced our decision to structure the story through reverse chronological flashbacks. Our film, set over the course of one night, reveals the backstory of Eli through his memories.
We also drew from the rawness of Joel and Clementine’s arguments when writing a pivotal confrontation in Rearview. While our film is darker and less sentimental in tone, we’re deeply indebted to Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind for shaping our understanding of narrative, memory, and the complicated aftermath of love.
