Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Analysis & Review

This is my first film review-type video, I'm not much of a film critic/reviewer but I hope you enjoyed regardless!
This quarantines put my mind into overdrive so hopefully I can make a few more videos on here before it's over and I have to start working :)
Thank u for watching, muah
- Han

[@aryan7767]

The scene where they playfully suffocate each other with a pillow is so specific but so fucking accurate and painful.

[@jopunfromtarget-3667]

Joel saying "enjoy it" followed by the music and them running along the beach was so impactful. We think too much about the outcomes of things. Why not just enjoy what we have now instead of thinking of what it will become?

[@dresdendevera8467]

"Relationships aren't simple. They're messy, and confusing, and have the potential to change your life for the better if your'e willing to open your heart to any and all possibilities." DAMN, HANNAH, you nailed it!

[@DarkAphelion]

the great thought behind this movie: every memory, the good ones and the sad ones...they are part of our personality and there is always a reason for every single one. they build us...as a human being, as a person, as a character. every relationship we are building has it reason. you can't escape love...it will find you.

[@Hannahtehbanana]

Very much agree with this statement! Life is made up of good and bad moments, as there seems to be a counteract to everything in life. There is no sun without moon, no light without dark, day without night, cold without hot, happy without sad, the list goes on. Living in a world free of any emotion other than happiness would be boring, and arguably, devastating. Humans are meant to feel a range of emotions to fully live life, to learn from mistakes, overcome challenge and in the end feel fulfillment. Our world is far from perfect, and there's a lot more negativity than positivity. Things could definitely be done to change it for the better but the universe often puts you on a certain path for a reason. A lot of it pays off when all is said and done.

[@connorhernandez7772]

I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve seen this movie and every time I have teared up at least a little lol. Such an amazing movie. This movie actually resonates with me a lot because I remember showing this movie to my ex and like a week later we broke up. It was a long term relationship and I always wonder if this movie had something to do with it. Great analysis of this movie. I always say myself that you can tell so much about a person on what there fav movie,song,band etc is. Great job!

[@breadformyfamily4175]

Too real yo too real

[@emmawurch6322]

life imitates art, truly

[@renjinkat]

ive been wondering those spiritual soul connections like that of clem & joe and the spark and that "fav movie, music" are trauma bonds and not necessarily healthy for r/s but healthy for friendship...

[@user-dz1rc4wk2t]

A documentary

[@senseiplays4663]

The first time i watched this movie, i was blown away. It was almost nostalgic for me to watch it the second time a few days later. I felt myself resonate with both characters, and saw some of their traits in myself too. I found myself struggling with the idea that all memories shown are shared but are solely from Joel's perspective, and never from Clems. This gives a broken experience for Joel when watching the memories replay, he suddenly understands what he wants, but knows that for better or worse, its over and he can't do anything, hence the line "Enjoy it". The answer to the question you've poised, does not have a correct answer. From one side one can see that they are soulmates, but their destinies aren't intertwined. And we can also see that they are soulmates, but through time have become broken, but also understand that each other is the key to their perceived happiness. Clem sees this when Patrick tries to seduce her using Joels memories. She feels sick because she cant explain whats she's feeling, because the memories are gone but their initial impact is still there, and has left a mark on her very being. When they listen to their tapes, and Clem goes to leave it's very similar to how they broke up at the beginning of the movie, when Joels memories start rewinding. It's still over the same comment, however Joel this time puts his own emotions aside and thinks more for Clems emotions. Joel learnt from erasing his memories, that regardless of the struggle that the good outweighed the bad. He also accepts that he has some emotional problems and that at points he was the issue in their relationship, "The puppy eyes", etc... but sets them aside so he can work on moving forward, which makes that scene in the hallway so powerful, "Okay". I think the ending of the movie is open to suggestion but heres my two pence... Joel and Clem are destined, they've worked through the good and bad and come out on top... the last scene where they run through the beach in the snow, could suggest, that they are destined to repeat themselves... but i saw it more as them creating new memories, even though its so similar to how they met in the first place. I love a happy ending... and i believe, if not hope that they had one. A magnificent movie!!!!! Chances are no one will read this but if you have thank you for listening to my rambles. If anyone wants a discussion on any point i've made or just about the movie in general, please do reply. Thanks

[@zachholden8740]

Love this. I’ve always thought after finishing the movie that they lost all memories of good and bad in regards to their relationship. They get the tapes and hear themselves talk about their worst opinions of each other. They contradict their past selves as they listen. Joel saying he actually likes Clem’s hair as an example. Then off of one day/night with each other and seeing and feeling happiness with each other they accept the inevitable bad that will come. That feeling of love is worth so much to them and that always stuck with me. The ending used to give me hope they would create a great relationship. Now it reminds me to not forget the past but communicate, become a better person and remember great and horrible moments. It will only create a stronger relationship. Rants done

[@gablo1089]

The part where he says "enjoy it" is my favourite in the whole movie. No matter what everything is doomed to die in the end. All we can do is ride the wave and enjoy :)

[@senseiplays4663]

@@gablo1089 I wonder have you ever watched the British sitcom ‘Fresh Meat’. There’s a line in the series that speak the same volume. “We’re not doomed are we”? Both characters are in a struggling relationship. But I saw it more as a metaphor. Everything in its own little way has a cost, so you might as well enjoy it while you can.

[@senseiplays4663]

@@zachholden8740 I totally agree. The movie is just one big metaphor. Grow or die. Communicate or suffocate in the silence. Love or hate. The key to any relationship is communication and this film is a case study if what happens when you don’t. The ending when their memories return when they listen to their tapes, is a wolf in sheep’s clothing; but also the opposite. That’s why I love this movie. Everyone’s own interpretation is based off their own experience. It’s so unique

[@gablo1089]

@@senseiplays4663 Nah i've not, is it worth a watch? Yea, in Eternal sunshine when she says "this is it" and asks what should they do it seems like the time you'd normally panic and start going crazy trying to fix things when really, sometimes in life, you just gotta roll with it. Even if the worst happens (in real life at least, not so much in this movie lol), hopefully you'll have the good memories to look back on and enjoy.

[@lunaretic3]

I just had the biggest, devastating break up of my entire life, and I'm completely broken right now. This movie made me weep. I don't know if I can call it my "favorite" movie because of how painful it is. But I can say it's the only movie that can break me down completely. It moves my soul. Thank you for this video..

[@kevincola3184]

When Beck starts singing in the background of the ending of Joel and Clem happily playing in the snow like they're the only other people on Earth always gets me to shed a few tears, feeling both joy and despair in equal measure. This is a truly great film that deserves a lot more recognition and as an added bonus contains one of Jim Carrey's greatest, if not best, performances.

[@bb-ih9hg]

I always cry at the end of this movie. It's always been a favorite of mine, but I've always wondered if they'd done this at least once before. And that Beck song, oh god. I already wanna cry. It's an amazing movie.

[@Msnobodyart]

What do you mean with "but I've always wondered if they've already done it at least once"? From my perspective, they know each other, they begin to hate each other and then they erase, then they meet again and since they don't remember that they were erased they meet again, then they hate each other again and they erase again and thus it becomes an eternal cycle that has no end. Therefor, in the final shot they run in the snow and disappear, run and disappear, which means that they are destined to repeat that cycle, so in a way, they are going to be together forever.

[@Psyfi85]

@@Msnobodyart Exactly, the beginning is really the end. Then it all slowly gets revealed, over and over, yet circumstances change around them. Then there’s Patrick..

[@scottf5791]

Paaatrick baby boy!

[@joooanit0224]

What is Beck's song?

[@Msnobodyart]

@@joooanit0224 Everybody Gotta Learn Something - Beck.

[@yorktown99]

The looping scene at the very end is an artifact of an earlier draft of the script: it was more overtly pessimistic and fatalist about Joel & Clementine's instability. But the plots with the supporting characters, and the rather linear plot of the Lacuna Clinic itself, all expose how flawed the procedure was in the first place. Hence the change in the final cut: the scene of Joel & Clementine playing on a snowy beach is not one they repeatedly loop back and relive, but an indelible memory of joy that cannot be removed.

[@lpsamyrose]

My friend cried for a week after watching this film, I never understood until I finally watched it...

[@teddyjackson1902]

There’s also the vehicle of Patrick which illustrates that Joel and Clem did have a deep understanding and connection with one another that could not be imitated. Their hurdles were getting over their individual idiosyncratic behaviors that were preventing them from advancing their relationship. This happens with a lot of people who end up being life partners right before they make that commitment. There’s often a breaking point, a break-up and a reconciliation with realization that they do love and need one another. It’s that breaking point and pain that spurs introspection and eventually personal growth.

[@xlucky7x]

I die a little bit inside whenever someone says they haven't seen Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. It honestly baffles me that Kaufman's movies aren't as well known. Personally, Synecdoche New York, Anomalisa, Being John Malkovich, I'm Thinking of Ending Things are also just as phenomenal as Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind in their own respective ways. Great review and explanation!

[@CorbCorbin]

Well, it’s because you are really talking about his writing, when you don’t mention that Spike Jonze directed Malkovich, and Gondry directed Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, which _was_ written by Kaufman, but based on a story that Gondry wrote. It’s Gondry’s idea. I believe Kaufman to be on the same level as either of them, as a director, but he’s a much more prolific writer. They just aren’t on the level to write an Adaptation, Malkovich, svriot for Eternal Sunshine, etc. They are very different directors though, and Kaufman makes movies that many have a hard time getting through, with Synecdoche, probably being the most difficult, snd considered pretentious, , film nerdy, etc. If you dig Eternal Sunshine, check out the series Kidding, and the eight episodes directed by Gondry. His fingerprints are all over the show.

[@xlucky7x]

@@CorbCorbin I'll definitely check out Kidding, I'm all for learning things. I find that the more movies / shows I watch, the more I try to find things that are different or unique. Sadly it's rare to see too many of those types of things sometimes. Especially in certain genres.

[@sahilkhatri1810]

I've seen it now, i loved it.... can you tell some other great romantic movies

[@xlucky7x]

@sahilkhatri1810 great romantic movies. I personally enjoyed I'm Thinking of Ending Things, it's in the same vein.

[@sahilkhatri1810]

@@xlucky7x alright, thanks mate

[@junghyok]

the soundtrack of this film really just perfects it for me been years since i first saw the film but the music is still in all my playlists love the video

[@herrroy4963]

I always tear up at least once every time I see this movie. The most emotional scenes are when they lay on the ice and look at the stars (the music are so beautiful and they seem so lonely, but have each other) and when they revisit the beach house in Joels memory and also at the end when Clem comes to Joels house and they realise they love each other despite all. Thanks for sharing this video :)

[@nourassili4216]

why does this not have more views??????? love your video essays!

[@davidh.8798]

I only recently noticed that Clementine has one leg in that nighttime walking sequence. You spot something new every time you watch this wondrous movie. Nice vid.

[@SimranSingh-bb7ft]

I just wanted to say this made me cry. I love your voice and analysis! ❤️ I think in the end even though they know their relationship is doomed, they choose to re-experience it and learn and grow for themselves. This movie really gets you to think about what actually makes us human and it is the memories we make. We must embrace and learn from our memories, rather than dwell and regret them.

[@blovedninja6734]

Scrounged KZbin trying to find a video of a review to use for my English class. I've yet to watch this movie or see any clip without bursting into tears at every scene. A lot of things will be forgotten in the coming years, I really hope this movie is not one of them. Thank you for the upload and review of Eternal Sunshine. Know at least one person has your words in their heart.

[@randomboi3841]

Fun Fact, the dude who made the soundtrack to this film went on to help Kanye West with the making of the album Late Registration

[@williammckenna3903]

This was the only movie I went to the cinema to see multiple times with different friends of mine. Its a beautiful film that you need to share ❤

[@vinnypag]

saw this movie last week and still cant stop thinking about it, tied for best movie ive ever seen its so raw and human idk such a good video thank you!

[@LovelessDogg1]

This is my number 1 favorite movie of all time. No question. I tend to stay away from playing favorites with anything, but this, gets a pass because it’s too good. The memories removed, actually changed the both of them in ways you see at the beginning of the movie. Joel is a different Joel and Clem is a different Clem. It’s somewhat perfect because it shows that there is room for growth for the both of them, even if it’s futile.

[@valentinogal781]

For a long, long time I could not watch this movie again. I watched this movie when it came out and in the worst possible time. I was going through not just a breakup, but the most painful one. It was a trigger for me. However it's been so long that now I can watch it and appreciate how brilliant it is. The soundtrack and the symbolism is remarkable. It's just perfect ..❤❤❤

[@hopscotch_]

Favorite movie as well, every now and then ill go down the rabbit whole of different takes and views on the film and I absolutely love this one. Subbed!

[@dylanmcdougall5758]

I’ve just watched this movie, and i have never been so moved by a film before. It resonated with me so much and i see myself and a past relationship in the characters so much it hurts

[@aryan7767]

I have never had a relationship yet and I watched this film an hour ago: I know for a fact I’m gonna rewatch this film at different stages of my life and cry again and again lol

[@gracelo_9]

PLS keep making these, the way you explain concepts is so concise and eloquent :) this has been my favourite film since I watched it

[@richardsiciliano7117]

The ending still freaks me out a bit. I so want them to stay together and love one another, but the looping at the very end, plus the knowledge of the original script where it's shown that Clem has done the memory wipe many times, has me unsure. Sure, it's easy to think that Lacuna shut down operations, but we really don't know that, or if an offshoot was opened. Once the procedure was invented, the cat was out of the bag. Personally, I think the ending is depressing, but still an absolute masterpiece of a film.

[@FOXAMG63]

My favorite scene is towards the beginning of the film when Joel and Clem are lying down on a patch of ice and observing the night sky. Clem asks Joel to point out a star constellation in the sky and Joel jokingly makes up a constellation, describes its shape and Clem starts laughing in amusement as she senses his bullshit and then she says to him - “shut the fuck up! “ - but it’s the way in which she said that line that was so profoundly endearing and sweet. The chemistry between the two was euphoria.

[@stormluna5136]

This is one of the best reviews I've seen of this film, thank you! I love the connection made to La La Land and I definitely would like to see a video done about that film as well 💜💜💜 two of my favorite films!

[@Hannahtehbanana]

Thank you so much! I’m currently in the middle of making one for La La Land, should be coming out soon!

[@lukethekuya]

HeyitsHannah Cannot wait!

[@doomraven0]

Thank you for such a touching tribute to my favorite film of all time. Like you, i don't see it ever being topped because it is so unique from every aspect. Of course, it makes me ugly cry every time i watch it, but the themes of the film get richer the older you get. I am a hopeless romantic at heart, so i see the end as them knowing all of the worst aspects of each other and still, to both of them, this "Ok" and they go forward, not perfectly, but better than before. This movie is the most beautiful picture of life as a whole and doesn't get nearly the love it deserves. I guarantee, whether they say it or not, every man feels like Joel about their true love when he says, "You had the whole human race pegged, i still thought you were going to save my life." I think this movie should be required viewing for any film, writing, or general life class. Simply the most beautiful, honest, true to life, and emotionally resonant love story ever.

[@moscosourquiola]

I cried out loud, uncontrollably .

[@williamvillatoro4041]

It’s the best movie for me hits home

[@SC-dr4wk]

I am glad I watched this movie, It was really hard, very hard to watch. A master piece of love.

[@oscarg1006]

This is a great analysis, I hope you do more!

[@ArtGuitarLTX]

Saw Eternal when it came out …. still brings back memories.

[@Koreyisadumbfuck]

knowing that there's a directors cut in this movie that expands more on joel's personality is just freaking deep and how she dumped her for clem got scott pilgrimed

[@FuzzyPuppet]

Amazing review bravo 👏🏻

[@frostvg1535]

Amazing video and great exploration! Truly one of my favourite movies I love the message behind it :)

[@juanangelguevara5411]

Hannah, Idk if youre there but c'mon this video is good for being YOUR FIRST. I'd love to see your video on Lalaland!

[@AlikVolkov]

This is a great analysis, you articulated so much of what I felt

[@vic-hn3nl]

The original screen play starts with Mary talking about Clem - in her 60s getting Joel erased from her memory for the 15th time. Because of this they both believed they lived most of their lives without romance. because Mary released the tapes sooner - maybe they have a shot but with out marys help , they would have destroyed each other

[@lynderville]

I think everyone should watch this movie. Then watch it at least once more. Brilliant, just brilliant.

[@Bany1911]

wish you made more videos like this. I only just found this video and I really liked hearing your opinions and thoughts on one of the few movies I would call a masterpiece.

[@fairiewinterbee]

im about to cry watching these analysis videos, I love this movie so much.

[@yehaw4393]

It’s been 3 months right now. I know we were meant to be, yet destined to be worn away from eachother. It was so intense at the start and we fell so hard. When we broke up, the movie she mentioned to me about us was this movie. I can’t stand to watch it again because everything will come flooding back.

[@mirianalajtman7728]

Are you guys back together now

[@sofia_._]

updates?

[@seriousjones1863]

that’s why this movie is so great the epitome of let it go if it comes back to your it’s yours

[@JL-lg9gn]

This is a great analysis. A little sad you never did the one for La La Land. It feels like there’s not much content out there for it.. or, at least, the level of content I’d expect from an incredible film like that.

[@RestyConcepcionJr]

This is good HeyitsHannah. Hope to see more!

[@OfficrKD6-3.7]

Nice video! I feel the same way. Relationships need to be worked on, its not all sunshine and roses. but overcoming hardships as a couple will ultimately create an even stronger bond, it really is a beautiful movie :')

[@dcham041]

This was an amazing review , great job 👏

[@JaylynAreizaga]

girl this is so good

[@pumpdump4274]

Fuck love is so fucking good and so painful when it ends.

[@msushi98]

Good point with the parallel to La La Land! I can definitely see the similarities between the two now... These two movies are probably my favourite love stories, because they just feel so real. Same as Lady Bird (not a romantic love story, but still about love).

[@MagnusSam]

Great analysis ! Thank you for this video

[@colinjones439]

This is one of two movies to make me legitimately bawl and I'm not ashamed to admit that

[@StoneStraiff]

This is the best analysis of the movie

[@JK-hz1ox]

Thank you for this amazing review 🙏

[@shannonbyrd90]

You did an awesome job with this one!!! I love this movie!!! Every time that I watch it , I find something different that I didnt catch before.

[@CaitMcKi]

Loved this video essay!

[@frowneduponnetwork]

Wow, great video essay. You should do one on La La Land too

[@MyWatchIsEnded]

This is my favorite movie as well and it hits particularly hard since I watched it with my ex-fiance who I was with since we were 16 years old in highschool until we were 25. Everytime I see it my ex is so similar to Clementine that it's disturbing.

[@williamvillatoro4041]

I hope you are doing better. I fell in love days after watching this movie and it hurts to watch it . It reminds me of her soo much but I’ve learned to appreciate the time we had like they said in the movie . This is it . What do we do . Enjoy it . Beautiful

[@fallenlight452]

lovely essay video on a great movie! you should keep up the great stuff

[@ssigaprv8669]

Actually sad you didn‘t do more videos. But atleast you did this one, which is nice. Great breakdown of an amazing movie

[@ayazuptimeco2498]

"Please let me keep this memory..."

[@that90sguitarist]

Beautiful interpretation, definitely one of my favorite movies

[@aresdonachelo5283]

Woah! You're good at this. Please do another video ❤❤❤

[@marcuslove4710]

You should continue with these videos, this one was really good and you could do others really well. I hope you go back to them because this was the best video of this movie I've watched

[@chaosofthegalaxy3094]

Beautiful video

[@RockyLopez210]

Great video!!!

[@spacecow149]

Awesome review! :)

[@clarinaketia8948]

I love this review!! Eternal Sunshine is one of the best movie of the 21st century its a FACT!

[@jontydenton1201]

Row, row, row, you’re boat…..beyond goosebumps!

[@Msnobodyart]

Great the analysis of the fact if they were for each other and after thinking you realize that they were not compatible at all. Sad truth

[@rayaschilke4130]

This was fantastic. Well-said.

[@alecgonzalez3582]

Hi, Hannah. The first time I saw this movie it was a bit confusing to understand ( English ) is not my native language, but… I can relate to many of the scenes in it. Thank you for the explanation , it makes so much sense, now.

[@AleJorgeThomas]

My top one. Always.

[@jordan1862]

Dude such a good video

[@rapstar4575]

Your video made me cry like a baby. well done.

[@karaslam]

How very strange. I finally got round to watching this movie (for the first time) just now!

[@Hannahtehbanana]

karaslam Everything happens for a reason. :)

[@Amyprof]

great review, watched the movie today

[@theglobalportraitproject4628]

Hey Hannah, my favourite video on ESSM so far. How about doing some more videos?

[@vincemelson9655]

The main theme of this movie is that Love is outside of time, and its own mystical, almost supernatural source. Its probably the most realistic depiction of a that in film.

[@kevinahearn8764]

great vid

[@ciaraskeleton]

The loop is perfect because: It doesn't matter ❤

[@isitreal1855]

She is.. amazing ❤️❤️

[@MrAndyPee]

My all time favourite too.

[@sambuv1ctor]

very nice video essay

[@twinpeaks4618]

They obviously weren't meant to be. Naomi was a much better match for him. He didn't realize it sadly.

[@leonardshevlin7260]

I reject the idea that they are in a loop but people who entertain that theory should learn about Nietzsche's idea of Eternal Return (the Eternal Recurrence of the Same) and its relationship to later concepts in Existentialism.

[@PoochieCollins]

Hannah, if you ever try to build a serious channel (you have just the one video at the time of this writing) and that's you in your display picture, definitely show yourself on camera. The importance of looks gets heightened over visual mediums, and you look quite pretty.

[@zakiboyo123]

masterpiece

[@ianisguerin4075]

My favorite film. Few people in France saw this film. Bizarre.

[@justfrankjustdank2538]

great vid :)

[@karenrosero2288]

I thought I was gonna cry when I first watched this movie, since as I watched reviews about it (yes I do that often to decide if I´ll invest my time in a movie), but turns out I didn't. IDK if it was because I watched it with someone else and I don't like showing my vulnerable side to others (even if it was actually my mom). But when Clem said that she gets bored of everything and that's how she is actually resonated with me. I remember listening that Clementine was neurodiverse before watching it, and maybe it was that. Independently if she is borderline, ADHD or anything else or none of that at all, I still felt like I understood one part of her. As I am ADHD, romantic relationships are a struggle. That along with depression results in thinking "Why to invest so much time and feeling in something you will never know will work?" That sounds coward, but that's it in the end. However the movie and your analysis too made me realize something I suffered to learn in the past: You cannot avoid change. But also, change is necessary for growth. Now with this movie it is only more clear that you have to accept change, even if it brings pain. Still, hard to do for some of us, but I will try to be more open minded in the future. I´ll not close to the possibility of finding someone to pretend "we know each other in ways no one else did" with.

[@SkeletalSystemBones]

You say Carrey plays this role with ease but from what I understand is that he actually had a very difficult time with the role and had to be pulled back into his character by the director to maintain the seriousness However by the end of the battle you can obviously tell that this is honestly one of his best roles over his whole career despite having to be fought into it

[@logicn.reasoning9744]

This is also my GOAT.

[@pumpkingamebox]

I wonder, could this movie be taken as an allegory against anti-depressants. As they’re not getting over each other. They just erase it with technology and do the same “mistakes” over and over again. Same as anti-depressants make us compromise with reality rather than changing it for our betterment.

[@theclaybeartravels3596]

I also get the idea that this movie takes place entirely in his head. Instead of a real-world and a dream world, it's really a conscious world and an unconscious world. Joel's Id - Patrick, Ego - Stan, and Superego - Howard are actively trying to forget her, but the unconscious mind won't let the conscious mind erase her. In the beginning, Patrick leaves to be with her. As we can see, there is a moment where Patrick says she is nice, which is something that Joel calls her. Then another time she is with Joel she falls on her butt, but later when she leaves Patrick, she notices her bruise, proving that Patrick is part of Joel's consciousness. But this also gives me the idea that maybe we're also seeing Joel's unconscious interact with Clementine's unconscious. We notice that he mentions Naomi. I believe either Naomi is Clementine's real name or Clementine is Naomi's real name. This could mean we're either seeing the self and the ego. Later on we're introduced to Mary, who seems to very impulsive, young and childlike. I'm speculating this is Clementine's ID. She eventually run's into Howard's wife, who seems to be Clementine's superego. I'm probably reading into this way too much, but hey, its a Charlie Kaufman movie and I guess you can go down the rabbit hole as deep as possible in his movies.

[@misscomment8025]

❤❤❤

[@DGdescendant22]

Make more videos. This is great

[@OfficrKD6-3.7]

btw I would love to hear your thoughts about LaLa Land as well!