Student Film Reviews

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1. Byron Potau 02.14.09 / 12am

   I think Kaufman may go down as cinema’s most original and creative writer. Maybe not the best, but the most insanely original! Winslet is incredible and I think this is her best role to date.
2. Michele Lampman 02.20.09 / 6am

   I think you captured this movie perfectly. I liked how you described the theme of the movie as the process of a deteriorating relationship that is then mended. I also found it interesting that you pointed out that when love is over we remember the bad and not the good parts of the relationship. I’m sure we have all been to a point where we wanted to erase the memories of someone we have loved. When your heart is broken all you want to do is forget. But, I like this movie because it shows you that this simple answer to relieve your pain isn’t that simple!!
3. Matthew Snyder 03.19.09 / 4pm

   I also think you captured the movie quite well. The characters were definitely unique and very well played. I also feel that these characters are two characters that these actors would not normally play as, yet they did an amazing job capturing the feelings and emotions in the film. I thought the film was alright, but at times I thought it was difficult to follow. It is very random and the idea of having a mechanism where u can erase a part of your mind did not really do it for me. I’m not saying the movie was bad, I advise people to see it, because it is interesting, I just do not think I would watch it again. Although in a film making prospective rather than a viewers prospective, the film is very well made.
4. Kathryn Reynolds 03.20.09 / 8pm

   This is one of my favorite movies. I love everything about this movie. First, I love the feeling that these characters are meant to be together. Even after he has erased all of his memories of her, and she has erased all of her’s of him they still find each other on the subway. To me, that is almost magical, like our destiny is written for us and even if something like erasing parts of our memory was possible what is meant to be will be. Also, the acting in this movie is fantastic. Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet, to me, are out of their elements. Carrey is usually a funny man and Winslet is usually playing a character that holds an essence of glamour. Neither actor fills their normal roles. I advise people to see this movie, but more than once. The first time I viewed it, I knew I liked it but admit that I didn’t love it. It is hard to follow and to be frank, a little strange. But after the second viewing you will love this movie.
5. Shanna Jordan 03.21.09 / 7am

   I loved the journey of this film. It was wonderfully put together, taking the audience so many places in a dreamlike fashion–yet, we do not feel lost at any point of the story. The way it was filmed allows the viewer to see into the characters’ lives–to the point where you even see a conversation they have under the covers. But it does not feel awkward; you feel like you are just privy to the moment. Overall I was so much more impressed with the movie when it was done. It really made me reflect on my own life, the myriad of memories that I have, and people that I have met which all make up what my life is and how priceless these memories are.
6. Brian Brown 03.24.09 / 7pm

   I also love this film. It is definitely a twist on the everyday romantic comedy, which I usually find to be incredibly dull and perfect examples of studios just making movies for money’s sake. I feel like the more I watch this movie, the more I get out of it, especially in relation to references within the character’s past, and foreboding clues to the way everything ties up together by the end. Jim Carrey’s performance is much more toned down than usual, which I really enjoyed since I don’t always care for his over the top roles. After seeing this a few times, I’m still confused why Kate Winslet doesn’t play these type of funny/quirky roles more often. She fits into them naturally, and can obviously take a dark turn into drama if need be.
7. Ally Perry 04.14.09 / 7am

   This is absolutely one of my favorite films of all time. I think you captured it very well, and I totally agree with Kathryn in that I loved how they still found each other even after they had both erased each other. I really enjoyed that once Joel (Jim Carrey) realized he didn’t want to erase Clementine (Kate Winslet), we were also on the adventure to find a place in his mind to hide her. I really hope both Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey choose to play more roles like this because they were both fantastic in this film.
8. Zac Smith 05.11.09 / 5pm

   This is one of my favorite movies. First off, I just want to say that I agree completely with Kevin about the range that Jim Carey displayed in the film. I usually have a sort of disgust for his over the top physical comedy, and I’m happy that there wasn’t too much (if any) in this film. What I liked most about the film was the way in which it clearly conveyed what was going on to the audience in a way that wasn’t confusing at all (which is quite the task for such a complex movie). An example of this would be the scene when Jim Carey becomes a child. I thought this was beautifully done, and done in a way that I could understand exactly what was going on. This movie is a wonderful exploration of love and the diluting effect that life can have on it. Great writing, directing, acting, cinematography, just an overall A+ film.
9. Dong Chen 05.14.09 / 10pm

   This is definitely one of my favorite movies. Before watching this movie, I love Jim Carey only because his funny style in movies. However, in this movie, he really touches my heart. His sad face and eyes remains in my mind even after a long time, especially his crying face at the beginning of the movie. This movie is about the memories of love and the experience of growing up. Moreover, because this film faces the secret of people’s hearts and the weak side of people, it makes me feel that it is about our own lives. All beautiful and sad things are part of our lives. You cannot erase them and it is not worthy to do that.
10. Joe Wiklund 07.01.09 / 8pm

    I first saw this film before it’s release, without any idea of what I was getting into. I agree that Winslet and Carey both came out of usual roles and let their guard down to portray a wonderful story with excellent chemistry. Seamless blending of believable realistic emotion, with believable realistic science fiction makes for a sum greater than its parts. It is this effortless blending of genres, and mixing the everyday with the phenomenal that is cornerstone to Kaufman’s originality and success. It is a formula that I have seen repeated in his work.
11. Erik Shafer 07.03.09 / 3pm

    Michael Gondry’s “Eternal Sunshine on the Spotless Mind,” 2004, is a very intense romantic comedy of sorts. It really is unlike any movie I have ever seen. The movie stars Kate Winslet and Jim Carey in roles so unlike their usual roles. I agree with Mr. Tran here, Winslet really gets into her character, and it’s surprising how authentic she is. Carey, a usual wisecracking funny-guy, also plays something unlike he’s ever played before really, a serious, emotional, and mature man. I found myself awestruck by just those two actors, but the whole cast really helped keep cohesion in the film. The directing style and film is really impressive, as well, and bombarded me with thoughts, feelings, and emotions I did not expect when I popped the disc in the dvd player.
12. Lu Lu 09.29.09 / 11pm

    i saw this film several years ago, and i didn’t get the main idea of this film at that time. But when i watch this again, i have to say it’s really a beautiful movie. The love between two main characters is not that beautiful and moving, and it’s also kind of sad. Jim Carey, change the way he act totally in this film, and bring a new feeling on him. Kate Winslet, one of my favorite actress, also change the way she act. This film can easily make people to have reaction to the story, and make audience make connection to their own lives. The movie is about loving and lossing, which can easily make viewers to remind their own past stories. This movie is not like the any other movie i’ve seen, i can’t tell what is the differences but it really has.
13. Aubrey Catanese 10.12.09 / 7pm

    This movie is by far one of my favorites of all time; Jim Carrey does an amazing job of abandoning all goofy behaviors witnessed in his previous roles and instead plays a conflicted, frustrated individual. Kate Winslet does indeed take over Carrey’s role as the ‘quirky’ character and her character is intriguing and mysterious. I enjoyed this movie’s twist on the usual decay of an intimate relationship; instead of the usual painful process each individual must go through to forget the times spent and memories made with the ex-lover, Winslet and Carrey both decide to take the easy way out. You’re completely correct in saying this film is perfect for any individual on Valentines Day, whether they are or are not in a relationship!
14. Sarah Amiri 10.15.09 / 4am

    This is really one of the more multi dimensional films I have seen. I think it was very creative to have the direction of the film flow through the subconscious just as it would if one were dreaming. There are so many elements to this film, and the viewer is constantly wondering where it is in the characters mind. As stated in the review, the director does a remarkable job getting in to the character’s head and exposing all the hidden layers of their psyche. Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind deals with a controversial concept in neurology as well, and strikingly illustrates the power of will and remembrance over the artificial manipulation of old thought processes, which I find very interesting. I appreciate your review, and thought you gave an accurate sense of what this film is all about.
15. Hannah Borroel 11.27.09 / 9am

    I agree with your emphasis on the acting by both Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet. They are believable and honest. Their characters were zany and flawed, and were relatable. With poor acting, the entire film would have been a flop.

    I also think that the story is excellent as well. Its messy, and the use of editing creates a crazy, disillusioned world. Anything can happen since we are in Joel’s mind, and they utilized that freedom perfectly.

    I love how you describe the relationship as “deteriorating” and “mending.” It is definitely a good film to watch whether you’re with someone or alone.
16. Shan Wang 11.27.09 / 11pm

    Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind leaves me a sense of warmness, courage, and happiness. I can understand the pain from Joel; he is struggling with doing the process. Let’s see, when a couple they try to erase each other from their memories, there must be something difficult to conquer between them. Fortunately, the process of erasing each other makes them realize they still love each other. I like this film because it tells me to cherish what I still in hand now, otherwise, I probably will suffer the way in which Joel have suffered in the film. The editing creates discontinuity even if the overall tendency of the film is toward continuity. For example, the process of erasing Joel’s memories about Clementine involved both the distress and happiness happened to them in the past. In particular, the joy of being together with Clementine made Joel feels like stopping this process in his deep mind. In so doing, the cuts switched between the past to the present frequently, which left us a tendency of discontinuity. Those moments took us to see what they had happened in Joel’s memory about Clementine before and the reason that had caused them to make the decision.
17. Zack Andrews 05.02.10 / 10pm

    This movie was amazing. It is such a cute movie definitely should be watched with a girlfriend or boyfriend. It is a very funny romantic comedy with great acting by Jim Carrey. I just loved it how Joel (Jim Carrey) fights to keep the memory of Clementine (Kate Winslet) in his mind while he is getting her erased. It gives hope to relationships everywhere to not give up!! Also the chance that both of them found each other after the procedure was amazing. It showed how they were truly meant to be together. I enjoyed how the film was portrayed in Joel’s mind. It gave me a feeling like I was there along with him trying to hide Clementine away for ever. This movie gets two big thumbs up and my recommendation to go out and see it right away.
18. Natasha Amiri 05.07.10 / 3pm

    Gondry’s amazing film, “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” can still be considered one my most favorite creative and eccentric movies yet. The concept, the acting of characters Joel and Clementine, the directing, as well as the idea of erasing someone’s memory all made for such a great an interesting film to watch. The story of their tumultuous relationship over a time period of about 2 years, and how in their depths of love they wanted to erase the hurting they felt for eachother, Joel realizes towards the end all the warmth and happiness he had in his life when Clementine was in it. Each scene has a generally cold and somber mise-en-scene with winter weather and a city life setting, yet Clementine always shone brightly in her multi-colored hair. As they both went through much hurting, they both enriched eachothers lives as well and completed eachother in ways they never knew could exist. One scene in particular is when they both reminensce on their childhood as outkasts and wish they grew up together as they fully understood eachother vulnerabilities. I absolutely loved this movie, the jumping of scenes that truly engaged me, and the plot that was so new and odd. I recommend this to everyone!
19. Rachel SanFilippo 12.08.10 / 10pm

    Eternal Sunshine has become one of my favorite films and by far think that this movie will go a long long way for Kaufmans work. The way that this film is told is magical and advise every one to watch such an outstanding film. I particularly loved the plot of the film, who would of thought of an invention where you could erase someone as important as someone like CLementine from your memories. Although i personally would never do such a thing, i thought that it went a long way for how Kaufman put together the film. The transitions when in the mind of Joel were so creative and thrilling that I didn’t realize that I was watching the film, it was more like a dream to me. It was sad but profound and made me think a lot about the people in my life that i love, would you ever want to delete someone like that to your life?
20. Ken Sterling 01.24.11 / 12am

    True to Kaufman’s style, it is no surprise that this was an exceptional movie with the usual twists and turns Kaufman is known for. What was surprising however, were the new roles played by actors who had been typecast before this movie was made. Hats off to Jim Carey, no longer the funny man with the huge teeth (think, “In Living Color” through “Ace Ventura” through “Mask” and “Liar Liar.”). His portrayal of a dejected, confused and in-love loser was moving. Elija Wood is more than Frodo and how refreshing to see Kirsten Dunst as a deep and troubled girl, almost in a return to, “Interview with a Vampire.”
21. Ann My Eklund 01.30.11 / 4pm

    Eternal Sunshine is no exception to Michelle Gondry’s style. It screams with imagination through the cinematography and the actors. Kaufman’s non-linear writing keeps the story gripping to the very end when it completely unfolds with it’s harsh truth; that life is painful but pain is what makes life wonderful. Ellen Kuras style of spot lighting through dramatic scenes transfers to the screen well as Jim Carey tries to escape his mind from erasing all the memories he loves. A wonderful crew and talent makes for an extraordinary film!
22. Julia Blanton 04.27.12 / 11am

    We started to watch Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind in my psychology class but the site wasn’t working so we had to stop. In the meantime, many classmates began to rave about how good this film was, and I proceeded to ask other friends about it, all of whom said I should definitely watch it. I figured this would be a wonderful site to gain some insight from individuals who look at films with a more trained analytical brain, vs standard movie goers like I used to be. Thank you for this review, It really gives me a good basis for going into the film so I am not too overwhelmed the first time around. What is interesting to me that the idea is about erasing your mind due to the fact you mainly focus your memories on the negative aspects of a relationship after a break up, expressing a point that it is important to look at the good ones as well. I have a different perspective starting to watch this film as my most recent experience is the opposite and it is just as hard if not harder. I have only good memories of the relationship which to me makes it even harder to move on. I have had lots of thoughts, and conversations about this situation and whether it is worth it, would it have been better to never experience the greatness just to loose it. I look forward to watching the film and seeing how it influences my thoughts. In the past I have found it hard to follow non linear films, but now as a student in a film class it has become very interesting to watch all films with a more trained mind.
23. Kelsea Delaney 10.19.12 / 9pm

    Eternal Sunshine was one of the first films that made me love cinema; it is not only an imaginative and unconventional approach to a love story, but it is a visually striking piece of art in every sense. The screenplay, the cinematography, the editing; in my opinion any one of these things should be noted for their significance in this film. In his screenplay, Kauffman pulls us backwards and forwards through Joel and Clementine’s relationship, sometimes pulling us in all directions at once. The cinematography and editing style highlight the emotional journey we go on with Joel as he realizes that despite all of the heartbreak, memories of love, both good and bad, are worth saving.
24. Kristina Khersonsky 03.19.13 / 12pm

    Before I had the pleasure to watch Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, I heard a lot of buzz around this film. Once I actually sat down and watched it myself, Eternal Sunshine quickly became one of my favorites. The combination of Charlie Kaufman’s unconventional screenplay and Michel Gondry’s creative eye, this film took me through a whirlwind that no other love story has taken me on before. Visually striking, Kaufman has a flair with taking audiences into the head of the main character, which is Joel (Jim Carey). I agree with this review, Eternal Sunshine takes you on a ride through every extreme being in love has to offer. Joel and Clementine’s love takes viewers in every direction with the help of Gondry’s innovative eye for the film. Easily, one of the most eccentric love stories I’ve ever seen, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind make it into my top 10 favorite creative productions.
25. joshnathan 10.17.14 / 5pm

    I absolutely loved this movie, and I am not a chick-flick kind of guy. Charlie Kaufman tells a beautiful story that that has an amazing meaning behind it. You just can’t stop fate from happening. In this love story Joel finds out that his girlfriend has used a company to make her forget her entire relationship with him. He proceeds to do the same but then realizes that he still loves her. I agree that Kaufmann has a great way of really putting the viewers into the eyes of the character. Something I thought was interesting was Jim Careys roll in this movie. Like states above he never broke character into his usual goofy self but plays as a soft-spoken, introverted man. One of the best love stories with a great meaning behind it.
26. lbjohnson2 03.20.15 / 11am

    I absolutely adore this movie! It is actually one of my favorites. I think you wrote a wonderful review. I agree the way you described Jim Carey and Kate Winslet’s acting abilities. For the first time we get to see Jim Carey acting like a normal person, and he’s good at it. I’m surprised we didn’t see more serious Jim Carey after this movie came out. Kate Winslet once again proved why she is a world class actress.
27. KarinaDeSantiago 10.14.16 / 2pm

    It’s been a while since I’ve watched this film, but your review made it all come back. You’ve completely nailed Jim Carey and Kate Winslet’s acting and the way they approach the characters. I agree that it’s interesting to see Carey in a role he’s not usually known to play, but he’s done such a fine job of it that we’re forced to take him seriously as an actor, even if the majority of his roles are wacky comedies. It was also very fun to see Winslet in this role and tackling the Manic Pixie Dream Girl trope. The ending is really intriguing because you can’t help wondering whether or not they’re going to end up making the same mistakes, but you’re hopeful that they won’t.
28. Matthew Garcia 03.12.19 / 9am

    This is a really nice review for such a unique film. I was very impressed by this film. It is so memorable to me and I wasn’t really sure why, but through reading this review I have become more aware of the technicalities and backstory that contribute to this film. I agree with you that both characters Joel and Clementine are very believable and genuine. It was very impressive to see Jim Carey play such a sincere role. His great acting definitely made it easier to relate to what he was experiencing. I am glad you mentioned both the writer and director because they really had to work together to make this film cohesive. The pair of them crafted a masterful film that will surely remain powerful and moving to audiences.
29. Caeli Hurst 03.20.21 / 11pm

    This is one of my absolute favorite movies. Jim carrey and Kate Winslet did such an amazing job playing their roles and not breaking character. When Clementine slowly starts forgetting Joel, we see the heartbreak and desperation from Joel as he tries to get her back. The filming was amazing and it really captured what was in their heads. Very creative and effective. I liked especially how it was filmed when they played back the memories and how Joel cleverly tried to get Clementine to remember by creating loopholes and finessing the machine. I found myself feeling the heartbreak along with Joel.
30. Natalie Elenes 10.21.22 / 11pm

    When someone asks me for a movie recommendation, this is always near the top of my list. The likable characters in addition to a completely new and inventive story line makes way for an amazing first viewing. This movie also poses an answer to the question many people ask after extreme heartbreak, “would you forget it all if you could?” This movie helps us visualize the fact that with all the bad comes all the good, the ying and yang of life.
31. Bridget Hopkins 03.02.23 / 1pm

    When anyone asks my what my favorite film is, this is what I say. I think it is a beautiful and unique love story that really makes you think about your view on love and relationships. That being said, I thought the review encapsulated the film very well. I definitely agree that Jim Carrey’s character came off as and remains very genuine throughout the film. I find all the characters to be very genuine and authentic, which is one of the reasons I love the film so much. Along with what you said about Gondry’s and Kaufman’s unique lens.
32. Ashlyn Draper 04.15.23 / 9pm

    This film has always been a favorite because of Jim Carrey’s down-to-earth character we see in here. This film gives us a surreal look at what heartbreak does. I can’t help but cry whenever I watch it because it’s not truly sad, it’s a beautiful depiction of human love and the follies of our emotionality. Gondry and Kaufman where the perfect pair to bring this relationship to life.
33. Katelyn Bubenicek 10.16.23 / 4pm

    Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is one of my all time favorite movies. I think Kaufman did an amazing job with the cinematography and telling the story of an average man and his love life. The characters are complex and easy to love. When Joel is getting his memory of Clementine erased it’s as if you are with them experiencing the pain and emotions they are feeling as they realize what they have done. I agree with your statement that this movie shows you everything being in love can do and has to offer. When I first watched this movie I would have considered it an Auteur film as you can see Kaufman’s huge impact on the film, as he’s well-known for being able to put you inside of the head of the main character. Since you mentioned Gondry’s creative eye working together with Kaufman I now agree with you. Thanks for sharing.
34. Ava Monaco 11.04.23 / 7pm

    This film has a unique way of making one sad whilst also feel the warmth of what human connection has to offer. As mentioned in your critique, Carrey is known for his comedy & I think his natural humor plays into the self deprecation Joel exemplifies in this movie. I agree that Kaufmann did an incredible job at encapsulating what love really is, an ugly mix of elation and pain all jumbled together to create something that everyone runs away from while simultaneously craving the most. This is best shown as Joel scrambled through his psyche desperate to hold on to memories of the woman that caused him so much pain. Kaufmann creates a mes-en-scene through chaotic imagery of Joel’s subconscious, that invokes the watcher to feel his desperation throughout the film. Thanks for your critique, truly a great analysis.
35. Ashley Delgadillo 04.13.24 / 9pm

    This film is one of my favorites. What always stands out to me is the contrast between the roles usually taken by the two main actors from the characters they portray in this film. Carrey and Winslet do a great job at playing star crossed lovers who are trying to escape the pain of heartbreak whilst dismissing the deep love they once shared. The filmmakers bring you into Joel’s mind by allowing us to see his memories of Clementine and extend the message that love and pain make us who we are. In one particular scene, Joel and Clementine are having an important discussion outside a flea market. This memory is in Joel’s mind and as it starts to fade, we see a pole disappear out of his hand, Clementine’s voice becomes distorted as if she is underwater and she becomes blurry. We also hear Joel’s internal dialogue, wishing he would have handled the situation differently. Sometimes it is the hardest moments in life that turn into lessons on how to be better than you were before. We learn this through the outstanding acting, visuals, editing and sound design. This film is a great example of the difficulty of relationships and how to handle them with love and care or risk losing them.

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