Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a 2004 American romantic science fiction film about anestranged couple who have each other erased from their memories. It was scripted by Charlie Kaufman and directed by the French director, Michel Gondry. The film uses elements of science fiction, psychological thriller, and nonlinear narration to explore the nature of memory and romantic love. The title is taken from the poem Eloisa to Abelard by Alexander Pope, the story of a tragic love affair, where forgetfulness became the heroine's only comfort. The targeted memory erasure in the movie is a fictional non-surgical procedure. Its purpose is the focused erasure of memories, particularly unwanted and painful memories.
The film was a critical and commercial success, developing a strong cult following and receiving many accolades. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. In particular, Kate Winslet's performance was highly praised. "USA Today" said: "Winslet is wonderful as a free spirit whose hair color changes along with her moods…she plays it just right." Movie critic Roger Ebert commented: "Eternal Sunshine has an emotional center, and that's what makes it work." The Onion's AV Club rated Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind as the number one film of the 2000s. It states: "It's the rare film that shows us who we are now and who we're likely, for better or worse, forever to be."
