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Spotless Mind Themes

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Joshua Hawkins Dr. Gould Masterpieces of Film October 23rd, 2014 Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind: A Critical Essay In an almost Tarantino-esque fashion, the film starts out in a non-linear sequence. Somewhere near the middle end of the story Joel and Clementine, played by Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet respectively, begin to fall in love. Unbeknownst to them, it is not the first time they have met, and also not the first time they have fallen in love. The film explores many aspects of love and its associated emotions, many of which are pain and unhappiness. Whether or not the characters relationship is based on love, is one thing. However, the flaw in the relationship is not so much about a love or lack thereof, but rather an immediate desire for happiness. It is only at the end, once Joel and Clementine realize that they will not be happy with each other, that they change their perception of the relationship, and simply go for it. Likely a stride in love, their fire is rekindled. …show more content…

His desire for love is over-shadowed by his desire for happiness. As a result, everything he tries to latch onto slips through his hands. Sylvie makes the point clear when she says, “Sand is a motif through the film, symbolizing the way in which Joel’s memories are slipping through his hand”. Taking this a step further, it is not only his memories which fade, but also his immediate desires. No longer is Joel consumed with thoughts of himself being happy, but rather with the idea that he and Clementine are meant to be in love. When the revelation of their actions occurs and both parties are aware that they decided to erase each other, they decide to persevere through. It may not be logical, but there is a level of commitment that trumps that immediate desire to be happy. They finally understand the reality that they will eventually be at odds yet they choose to take the plunge into that

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