Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Movie Details:

Country	United States
Language	English
Genre	Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi
Release date	March 19, 2004 (United States)
Running time	1hr 48min
Age rating	R
Starring	Jim Carrey Kate Winslet Kirsten Dunst Mark Ruffalo Elijah Wood Tom Wilkinson
Directed by	Michel Gondry
Story by	Michel Gondry Charlie Kaufman Pierre Bismuth
Screenplay by	Charlie Kaufman
Produced by	Steve Golin Anthony Bregman
Cinematography by	Ellen Kuras
Edited by	Valdís Óskarsdóttir
Music by	Jon Brion
Production Company	Anonymous Content This is that
Distributor	Focus Features

Cast & Characters:

• Jim Carrey as Joel Barish
• Kate Winslet as Clementine Kruczynski
• Kirsten Dunst as Mary Svevo
• Mark Ruffalo as Stan Fink
• Elijah Wood as Patrick Wertz
• Tom Wilkinson as Dr. Howard Mierzwiak
• Jane Adams as Carrie Eakin
• David Cross as Rob Eakin
• Deirdre O’Connell as Hollis Mierzwiak
• Thomas Jay Ryan as Frank
• Debbon Ayer as Joel Barish’s mother
• Ellen Pompeo as Naomi

Storyline:

Much to his surprise, timid Joel Barish is shocked to discover that the love of his life, sparky Clementine, has had him erased from her memory. As a result, hurt and angry, Joel wants to pay her back in the same coin, going as far as to undergo a painless but intricate medical procedure to do the same. However, poor Joel is utterly unaware that darkness is an essential part of the light. And as the once-cherished recollections of Clementine gradually fade away, giving way to a soulless black void, something unexpected happens. Now Joel has second thoughts, toying with the idea of stopping the irreversible process. Who said ignorance is bliss?

About Movie:

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is an American science fiction romantic drama directed by Michel Gondry, with a screenplay by Charlie Kaufman, based on a story developed by Gondry, Kaufman, and Pierre Bismuth.

Starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet, alongside Kirsten Dunst, Mark Ruffalo, Elijah Wood, and Tom Wilkinson, the film blends psychological drama and science fiction with a nonlinear narrative to explore the complex nature of memory and love. The title is derived from Alexander Pope’s 1717 poem Eloisa to Abelard.

Filming began in January 2003, after six weeks of preparation, and took place primarily in and around New York City over three months with a $20 million budget. Key scenes, such as Joel’s apartment and the retro-style kitchen, were recreated at a former U.S. Navy base in New Jersey.

The production faced grueling conditions, sometimes working 17-hour days. The film minimized CGI use, instead relying on practical effects like forced perspective, hidden space, and split focus to achieve its unique visuals. One of the most memorable moments—where the ocean washes away a house—was filmed by constructing a partial house on the beach and letting the tide rise.

Editing was done by Valdís Óskarsdóttir, with involvement from Kaufman, resulting in a lengthy process. The film’s visual style, direction, and performances were highly praised, particularly Carrey’s and Winslet’s.

Upon its release on March 19, 2004, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind was both a critical and commercial success, grossing $74 million on a $20 million budget. It earned the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and a nomination for Best Actress for Winslet.

Since its release, the film has gained cult status and is frequently cited as one of the best films of the 21st century. Its influence extends into music, inspiring works like Jay Electronica’s 2007 track “Eternal Sunshine (The Pledge),” Bastille’s 2022 single “Remind Me,” and Ariana Grande’s 2024 album Eternal Sunshine.

Budget & Box Office Collection:

Budget	$20 million
Domestic Opening	$8,175,198
Domestic Collection	$34,400,301
International Collection	$38,988,867
Worldwide Collection	$73,395,181