By far, the most innovative, manic and esoteric romantic dramedy ever created, Eternal Sunshine is the story of a couple who have each other erased from each other's minds.  And don't, for one second, think that it's boring.  I thought it would be, too.  I've been making apologies ever since.  Alcohol may have had something to do with that, as well.   But, whatever.

     Joel (Jim Carrey) is an uptight, emotionally withdrawn introvert.  Clementine (Kate Winslet) is a loud and abrasive wild child.  After a rough break-up, Clem decides to have Joel erased from her memory.  The next time Joel sees her, she has no idea who he is.  So he decides to have the same operation done to him.  But once he's in, he realizes he's not ready to have her deleted.

     With Michel Gondry at the helm of a Charlie Kaufman screenplay, you know you're gonna get something you've never seen before.  Special effects, pitch perfect acting and a melancholy soundtrack take you on a beautiful journey through Joel's mind.

     Also, I would like to point out that the academy's decision to nominate Johnny Depp for Finding Neverland (2004) instead of Carrey was a huge mistake.

 

     What Makes This Movie Cool:  The Dynamic.  Yes, the acting, the music, the everything about this movie is stunning, but when you break it down to it's elements, it's all about how Clem and Joel interact.  You sympathize and empathize with both characters as you agree and disagree with both characters.  All the while, you're cheering both of them on.  That is not an easy balancing act, my friends.  And these two make it look so effortless.