Saturday, March 27, 2004

It has been a long time since I’ve seen a movie that touched me like “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” I didn’t expect much out of it. It was a Charlie Kaufman joint and I knew that would mean it was a roller coater ride of a film that would play with my brain for days. I saw it last night and its still bouncing around in there.

If you haven’t seen the movie then come back to this after you have because I’m giving away the meat of the film. Sure there will be other twists and turns along the way, but if you read this before seeing it a lot of the magic will be gone. OK you’re still here. I have to assume you saw it. In which case…

Here are my thoughts. To simply read about a film like this does it a great injustice. The plot line (as best it was presented) was basically about a couple who’s love turned sour and in anger the woman had her memories of her lover erased. When he heard about it he had the procedure done too only to realize in the middle that he wanted to hang on to those memories.Seriously if you haven’t seen it then stop reading NOW.

The movie really moved me. I suspected the Hollywood outcome where at the last minute he would find a place to hide Clementine in his memory. Instead they were both staring at each other and they both had a fairly clean slate for another shot at love. Unlike the rest of us they knew how their relationship would end. They would say nasty and hurtful things to each other and learn they were completely wrong for one another. Sadly that is how a lot of relationships end up.

I think the film touched me most because it dug up a lot of emotions that I had suppressed for some time. When they chose to get together at the end knowing the rotten outcome that would result I was fighting back tears. I think we can all relate to that one relationship (or many in some cases) where the timing was just wrong or you both let issues from your past sabotage things. I think the message is if you love someone then regardless of where the ride ends up it is worth taking a chance on the journey. I can not say I live life completely free of regrets, but I can say I wouldn’t trade the experiences I’ve had for anything.

Meet me in Montauk!

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