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Ok, ok, so this is about a year late. I FINALLY caught this movie a few weeks ago via NetFlix. My mind is still throbbing after watching it. So why go over something that borders on being a 'chick' flick? Well, the beauty of this film about break-ups and broken hearts is it's NOT 'just' a chick flick. Some elements of the story actually border on being a sci-fi story. In the end, however, it's really about how do you deal with change.
In a nutshell, Jim Carrey plays Joel, a VERY quiet, introspective guy who meets up with Clementine. She's played by Kate Winslet and is a typical free spirit; brain going at a billion miles an hour, in a billion directions, but never, EVER is there a dull moment with her. They fall for each other... and unfortunately break-up in ugly fashion. Well, Joel is so despondent he wants to erase her out of his mind, and finds a way to do that. However, as he finally gets his wish... he realizes maybe just sucking her out of his brain ISN'T what he wants..
So why jump at this movie? Well, for starters, this isn't your average romance. The script was by none other then Charlie Kaufman. Yeah, THAT guy who wrote 'Being John Malkovich', 'Adaptation'. And yes, this is as wild a ride as you can get. What gets so freaky is wandering through Charlie's mind as his memories are erased. The images as Charlie and Clementine race through his mind to escape erasure are priceless; entire chunks of street disappear, Charlie and Clementine skip from one child-hood memory to another. (And land in THE most embarrassing moment a guy can have.) In the end they try to escape a collapsing house (Yeah, metaphors are flying people, what did you expect?) that is more dramatic then what Will smith had to fight through in 'I, Robot'.
Another reason to catch this is this isn't your average romantic 'chick' flick. It's about the break-up. The film charts the things that bit by bit, piece by piece, drive you BONKERS about another person before you finally end it. Kaufman and director Michael Gondry bring to life every annoying habit, every uncomfortable conversation, every painful moment of silence that ends a relationship. In the end, unlike other films, it's not about THE moment that ends things... it's about every little piece that eventually cracks and shatters a relationship.
So why watch something this depressing? Because it's also a reminder that for all of the moments that drive you absolutely batty, there are those same moments that remind you why falling head-over-hells in love with someone is such a wonderful feeling. Just as the destruction of a relationship comes in bits and pieces, that epiphany doesn't come from a cliched love-at-first-sight moment. It comes over time, bit by bit, piece by piece.
Finally, the big plus for me on the film is this is from a GUY'S perspective. I know, Jim Carrey doesn't come off as the classic leading man in a romance. Well he's NOT; not super charming, he looks rather scruffy and sullen throughout the film. And that's the beauty of it; he's like the rest of us, especially if you're a geek. Like Robin William's in his better moments, Carrey internalizes all that zany energy and creates a guy who we all empathize. Carrey's character Joel has a bagillion things going through his head, kinda shy when it comes to meeting someone they're attracted to, not sure WHAT you're supposed to say or do... and praying to every deity who'll listen that you don't look like a total fool while you try and talk to this person.
And I haven't even mentioned the stellar cast, and the fact Elijah Wood does a very good job of playing a VERY unethical technical assistant at the company of brain suckers.
Is this a film to watch immediately after a break-up? Honestly, heck no. At that moment... well, depending on your persuasion chocolate, action films, or BOTH are probably your best prescription. BUT, given time, a few weeks... watch it. No, it's not easy to watch if a break-up is fresh in your mind, but if you want to see something different, that stretches your mind... and reminds you what relationships are really about, go for it. And bring tissue.