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The Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind : An Analysis Of Memory, Relationships, And Identity Essay

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Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind:
An Analysis of Memory, Relationships, and Identity
Jeszenia McGuire
Elms College

What was the worst thing that has ever happened to you? Perhaps you totaled your brand new car leaving the dealership, or you lost your dream job? Maybe you were bullied as a child, or were the victim of a crime. Did you go for a routine checkup, only to be told you an expiration date? Maybe you watched on as a pair of taillights faded into the darkness, as the love of your life left you. Worse still, maybe you witnessed your best friend’s, your parent’s, or your child’s chest rise and fall for the last time. Whatever came to your mind when I asked you the worst event of your life, remember that. Recall that emptiness, and that crippling pain. Now if I offered you an out, a way to delete that memory from the depths of your mind, would you take it? In his 2004 romantic comedy, Eternal Sunshine of the spotless mind, writer Charlie Kaufman explores the complexities of our memories, relationships, and identities. In doing so, he created arguably one of the most powerful films of the decade. In the movie we watch as Joel Barish, an overly nervous and reserved man falls in love with his polar opposite Clementine Kruczynski who is as spontaneous as her vivid and ever-changing hair color. We get invested in their relationship, as they seem extraordinarily happy; nevertheless, this happiness doesn’t last long, and they go through a tough breakup.

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