Have you ever been so in love with someone that when they leave you, the memories are like an army of migraines terrorizing your brain nonstop? Well, if so, what if I were to tell you that each individual memory you shared with that person could be erased forever? Would you be interested? Before you answer, think long and hard, because as painful as it may be, those memories may have made you the person you are today, and who knows, maybe your life would be nothing without them. This is the predicament in Charlie Kaufman’s fifth screenplay “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.”

Joel Barish (Jim Carrey) is just one of those guys who was not meant to interact with women. This is a theme that presents itself in many of Kaufman’s screenplays — a theme a lot of us can relate to. When he meets Clementine (Kate Winslet) by chance, his awkwardness inevitably shows up once again. Clementine however is very unusual herself and in a way is attracted to this social awkwardness that puts off so many women.

Throughout the film Joel becomes increasingly unsure of what is real and what is a fading memory. As pieces of memories start to vanish as if they are being plucked out one by one, Joel scrambles to figure out how to save the memories he cherishes. Little does he know, he was the one who agreed to erase these memories in the first place.

Michel Gondry helms this modern masterpiece and also helped contribute to the story which, if you’re familiar with his work, is much noticed. Gondry is a perfect fit to adapt a Kaufman script — his own wandering mind allows every unusual story line to be understood. I was thoroughly disappointed that he didn’t receive an Oscar nomination for his achievement in directing for this film.

Although it is a comedy, it’s not the typical Jim Carrey physical comedy. I was skeptical at first, but once I saw it, I had trouble picturing anyone else in the part. His dramatic talent is shown for the first and unfortunately last time to date.

Winslet is perfect. She is annoying at times, but we must remember, it’s not her that’s annoying, it’s her character.

Small but crucial supporting roles from the always dependable Mark Ruffalo, the oddly prepubescent Elijah Wood and the seldom-talented Kirsten Dunst are very well done.

“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” is a film that will never be matched in style — it’s in a genre of it’s own. It’s in a world of it’s own really. I loved it when I saw it and I still love it every time I watch it. I could recommend it but it’s in our collection so that’s a recommendation of it’s own.