The most noticeable element of cinematography is perhaps that use of hand-held cameras. Once introduced into Joel’s memory, Gondry further utilizes cinematography to create a clear message about what Joel is experiencing. Throughout the operation, Gondry keeps the audience in Joel’s memories so that the audience forms a connection necessary to understand his emotional transformation. This confusing and empty scene begins to establish the importance of past events. Although there is no dialogue in the opening scene, the minimalist arrangement of the background music reinforces the feeling of a life that is somehow lacking in emotion. His facial expressions are rather blank which indicates his now “spotless” mind. The act of waking up to a natural morning sunlight provides the feeling of a new beginning, although the audience feels that something is lacking from the scene. The morning sunlight is bright, which supplies the scene’s only source of light. The film opens with a fade in from black to a close up of an unshaven Joel, waking up the morning after the memory erasing operation. The first few shots are highly significant in terms of both introducing the narrative structure and stylistic implications. Even when it’s not a memory, the focus is always on Joel and his reactions towards the world around him. However, midway through the procedure Joel begins to regret his impulsive decision and begins to realize the importance of his past as well as learning the inevitable pain that comes with losing some of his most cherished memories of Clementine.Īpparent throughout the film, Gondry uses the element of mise-en-scene and cinematography to introduce Joel’s thought process and state of mind. As Joel discovers that Clementine recklessly undergoes a medical procedure to remove all memories of him, he is so hurt to the point where he decides to track down the doctor and demands the same operation. Their relationship blooms over two years, but unfortunately ends with heartbreak for both characters. Gondry allows the audience to sympathize with Joel, the film’s protagonist, and even encourages the audience to look at their own memories.Įternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind tells the story of a passionate, yet clearly incompatible, romance of Joel Barish and Clementine Kruczynski. Joel’s experiences cause him to strip away all of the good and bad memories of Clementine, which prompts the audience to react to his sense of regret. With such complicated themes and symbols, common patterns found within the film can help the audience guide themselves through it. Gondry utilizes patterns along with cinematic techniques to enhance Joel’s memories and complex narrative. The film greatly explores the importance of memories and how they have an impact on one’s own future. Michel Gondry’s film, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, tries to answer the age old question of whether or not it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.
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