Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Starring: Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Kirsten Dunst, Tom Wilkinson, Elijah Wood

Directed by: Michel Gondry

RS: 4of 4 Stars Average User Rating: 4of 4 Stars

2004 Comedy

Here's one of the rare films released early in 2004 that stands a shot at Oscar. Jim Carrey drops the goofy faces to play a reclusive New Yorker who erases his two-year relationship with a free-spirited girl (a never-better Kate Winslet). Hell, she erased him first. Both lovers see a TV ad for a company that puts you in weird headgear while experts, the creepiest played by Elijah Wood, zap your memories. Talk about a mind fuck. The script is the deft work of Charlie Kaufman (Being John Malkovich, Adaptation), who buoys his usual sharp humor with a newfound tenderness. And director Michel Gondry adds visual flair without skimping on character. The kick of repeated viewings on DVD is enhanced by insightful commentary from Carrey, Gondry and Kaufman and behind-the-scenes footage that restores the rep of DVD extras as more than promotional drool.