The Dead Pool

Directed by Buddy Van Horn and screenplay by Steve Sharon from a story by Sharon, Durk Pearson, and Sandy Shaw, The Dead Pool is the story of a police inspector who learns he’s part of a dead pool in which celebrities are targeted for murder as the man learns he’s also a target. The film is the fifth and final film of the Dirty Harry series that finds Harry Callahan become the target as he tries to protect others that is part of this dead pool as Callahan is once again played by Clint Eastwood. Also starring Patricia Clarkson, Liam Neeson, Jim Carrey, and Evan Kim. The Dead Pool is an exciting and dazzling film from Buddy Van Horn.

The film revolves around a death list created by a horror filmmaker as a joke to see what celebrities would be killed as the pool unfortunately turns real as Harry Callahan’s name is in the list as he’s already being targeted by mobsters for putting a mob boss in prison. It’s a film that has Callahan already being this unlikely public figure who is hounded by the press for an interview which he repeatedly declines though he would befriend a reporter in Samantha Walker (Patricia Clarkson) who would also receive this list as she realizes some of the fallacies of what she does. Steve Sharon’s screenplay starts off with Callahan being commended for his work in putting a mob boss to prison where it seems that he’s adapting to the ways that the San Francisco Police Department wants but trouble often follows him. Especially as there are those who think he’s next in this hit list created by the filmmaker Peter Swan (Liam Neeson) who is seen as a suspect as the murders were done in the same way he has characters killed in his films. Yet, Callahan doesn’t think it is Swan at all though he still doesn’t trust him while Callahan’s new partner Al Quan (Evan Kim) would make a discovery into who it might be.

Buddy Van Horn’s direction is quite simple in its approach to action and suspense while also playing into this growing culture of horror films and music videos as well as the increasing reliance of the news wanting to get exclusives. Shot on location in San Francisco, the film definitely go for something that is straightforward in its visuals as Van Horn would use wide shots for some of the locations but would use close-ups and medium shots for some of the suspense including the killing of a few victims. One sequence that is one of the most exciting involves Callahan and Quan in their car as they find themselves being chased by a remote-controlled car with a bomb as it is fun to watch. Though the film’s climax is predictable and a bit lacking in terms of high-octane action, it does have a payoff as it has Callahan be the badass despite the fact that the reveal of the film’s killer is disappointing. Overall, Van Horn creates a thrilling and fun film about a police inspector targeted as part of a death pool gone horrible wrong.

Cinematographer Jack N. Green does excellent work with the film’s cinematography as it is straightforward for many of the scenes set in the day with some lights for some of the interiors as well as scenes at night. Editors Ron Spang and Joel Cox do terrific work with the editing as it play into the action and suspense with some rhythmic cuts for the chase scenes. Production designer Edward C. Carfargno and set decorator Thomas L. Roysden do fantastic work with the look of the film sets that Swan is creating as well as the police station where Callahan works at. Sound editors Robert G. Henderson and Alan Robert Murray is superb for the sound effects that are created as well as the natural sound such as the gunfire and such that is captured. The film’s music by Lalo Schifrin is wonderful for its jazz-based score that feature some synthesizers and orchestral elements to play into the suspense and drama.

The casting by Phyllis Huffman is great as it feature some notable small roles and appearances from the rock band Guns N’ Roses as themselves, Bill Wattenberg as a victim of the killer who is killed by a bomb, Ronnie Claire Fisher as a local film critic who is on the death pool list, Michael Currie and Michael Goodwin in their respective roles as Callahan’s superiors in Captain Donnelly and Lt. Ackerman who are more concerned with the positive public image of the San Francisco Police Department rather than doing their job, Anthony Charnato as the mob boss Lou Janero that Callahan sends to prison as he is forced to make a vow for Callahan during his prison sentence, David Hunt as a troubled fan of Swan, and Jim Carrey in a terrific small role as a troubled rock star in Johnny Squares that is dealing with his drug addiction.

Evan Kim is fantastic as Al Quan as Callahan’s new partner as a Chinese-American who is a resourceful man that could kick some ass as he becomes the most stable partner that Callahan has while also being someone who knows how to stay alive. Liam Neeson is excellent as filmmaker Peter Swan as this arrogant horror filmmaker who created the list as a joke but suddenly goes wrong as he becomes a suspect as he tries to defuse the problem only to make things worse for himself. Patricia Clarkson is amazing as Samantha Walker as a local news reporter who is trying to do her work and get an exclusive interview with Callahan only to share in his views about the media. Finally, there’s Clint Eastwood in an incredible performance as Harry Callahan as the no-nonsense police inspector whose weapons are his wit and his .44 Magnum pistol as he copes with the sensationalism of the media coverage around him as well as the new and unknown enemy that is trying to kill him as it is Eastwood just playing it cool.

The Dead Pool is a remarkable film from Buddy Van Horn that features a winning performance from Clint Eastwood as Harry Callahan. Along with strong supporting performances from Patricia Clarkson and Liam Neeson as well as some fun action scenes. It’s a film that does what it needs to do in being in a thrilling suspense-action film. In the end, The Dead Pool is a marvelous film from Buddy Van Horn.

Dirty Harry Films: Dirty Harry - Magnum Force - The Enforcer - Sudden Impact

© thevoid99 2017

I Love You Phillip Morris

Based on the memoir by Steven McVicker, I Love You Phillip Morris is the story of a conman who falls for an inmate as he would escape several times to be with his lover. Written for the screen and directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, the film is black comedy based on the life of Steven Jay Russell and relationship with Morris as Russell is portrayed by Jim Carrey and Morris is played by Ewan McGregor. Also starring Rodrigo Santoro, Antoni Corone, and Leslie Mann. I Love You Phillip Morris is a charming and off-the-wall film from Glenn Ficarra and John Requa.

The film is based on the true story of a con man whose exploits in pretending to be a lawyer and later a chief financial officer for a corporation to create a lifestyle for himself and his lover. Yet, it is a very comical film of sorts as it is largely told by Steven Jay Russell as he lies on his deathbed talking about his own life and how he met Phillip Morris in prison as they would forge a relationship. The film’s screenplay by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa is largely told from Russell’s perspective as a man who had a hard time finding himself as he knows he’s gay but couldn’t come out except have trysts with other men in secrecy while being married to a woman and having a daughter. After a car accident where he has an epiphany, he decides to embrace his homosexuality and gain a lover but realizes how expensive the gay lifestyle is as he would use his skills from his time as a policeman in Texas to con people which would get him in trouble and lose his first lover Jimmy (Rodrigo Santoro) until he meets Morris in prison.

The script does show how flawed Russell is someone who is flawed as he is a man with good intention yet does bad things. Even as he would lie to Morris who is kept in the dark about what Russell does as he is just someone that is just a good person, who got in trouble for grand theft auto, where he eventually realizes what Russell is doing. Adding to Russell’s troubles is the fact that he would put himself into situations that are overwhelming as he would charm and lie his way to get the job done as he would raise suspicions among those he meet.

The direction of Ficarra and Requa is quite straightforward while displaying some bits of style. Shot largely in Louisiana with some of the film shot in Miami, it play into a world that is set mainly in the American South such as places like Texas, Virginia Beach, and Miami where it is quite conservative at times but also leaning toward embracing the idea of homosexuality. Much of the compositions are simple yet Ficarra and Requa would create something that is comical as well as offbeat such as scene where Russell and Morris are sharing a jail cell as they’re dancing to Johnny Mathis while the guy in the next cell is mouthing off at the guards. There are some wide shots yet Ficarra and Requa would more favor intimate compositions in the close-ups and medium shots while they would also create scenes that are playful and fun but also have this air of drama in the third act. Especially in the fact that it starts off very bleak with Russell lying on his deathbed as he would tell his story through voiceover narration which help add to the film’s offbeat tone. Overall, Ficarra and Requa create a witty yet heartfelt film about a con man trying to provide and bring happiness to the man that he loves.

Cinematographer Xavier Perez Grobet does excellent work with the film’s colorful cinematography with the vibrancy of the exterior scenes in Miami and Louisiana as Texas as well as some of the interiors including the starkly-lit scenes set in prison. Editor Thomas J. Nordberg does brilliant work with the editing with its usage of jump-cuts for a few scenes as well as emphasizing on straightforward editing techniques to play into the drama and humor. Production designer Hugo Luczyc-Wyhowski, with set decorator Cynthia Anne Slagter and art director Helen Harwell, does fantastic work with the look of some of the homes the characters live in as well as Russell’s office where he’s a CFO and some of the interiors at the prison. Costume designer David C. Robinson does nice work with the costumes as it has some style as it play into the late 90s gay lifestyle as well as something that is casual.

Visual effects supervisor Jim Rider does terrific work with some of the minimal visual effects that include a sequence about the clouds into what Russell saw as a child. Sound designer Paul Urmson does superb work with the sound as it play into the intense atmosphere of the prison as well as some of the quieter moments that play into the comedy and drama. The film’s music by Nick Urata is wonderful as it’s a low-key orchestral score play into humor and drama while music supervisor Gary Calamar creates an amazing soundtrack that features music from Johnny Mathis, Devotchka, Robbie Dupree, and Nina Simone.

The casting on Bernard Telsey is marvelous as it feature some notable small roles from Michael Mandel as a tough prisoner named Cleavon who is an unwilling messenger for Russell and Morris, Annie Golden as a friend of Morris who turns to Russell for help on a legal thing, Marylouise Burke as Russell’s biological mother who rejects him, David Jensen as a judge that is conned by Russell, Brennan Brown as a financial executive who is suspicious of Russell’s work in finance, and Antoni Corone as a financial guru who would hire Russell unaware that Russell is conning him. Leslie Mann is wonderful as Russell’s ex-wife Debbie who is a woman that is supportive of her husband coming out yet is taken aback by his schemes. Rodrigo Santoro is superb as Jimmy as Russell’s first lover who is suspicious of what Russell is doing as he is also not fond of what he learns about Russell’s actions as a con man.

Finally, there’s the duo of Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor in phenomenal performances in their respective roles as Steven Jay Russell and Phillip Morris. McGregor gives a very heartfelt and kind performance as a man that just wants to help people and isn’t ashamed of his homosexuality as he also sports a fine Southern accent. Carrey is definitely the livelier of the two in terms of the way he expresses himself physically but also do it in a restrained manner so that it wouldn’t be entirely comical as he balances that with a sense of humility and determination. Carrey and McGregor together don’t just have this chemistry that is enchanting but also very touching as they make themselves to be this very loving couple that is just a delight to socialize with.

I Love You Phillip Morris is a tremendous film from Glenn Ficarra and John Requa that features incredible performances from Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor. Along with top-notch supporting performances from Leslie Mann and Rodrigo Santoro as well as a funny and heartwarming script, the film is definitely a romantic comedy that doesn’t play by the rules as well as showcase homosexuality in a very kind and warm approach. In the end, I Love You Phillip Morris is a sensational film from Glenn Ficarra and John Requa.

Glenn Ficarra & John Requa Films: (Crazy, Stupid, Love) – (Focus (2015 film)) – (Whiskey Tango Foxtrot)

© thevoid99 2017

Batman Forever

Based on the DC Comics by Bob Kane, Batman Forever is the story of Batman facing new foes as he also deals with his own traumas and identity while taking in a young man who would become his new partner in Robin. Directed by Joel Schumacher with a screenplay by Akiva Goldsman, Lee Batchler, and Janet Scott-Batchler from a story by the Batchlers, the film is the third film of the franchise that began with the 1989 film as Val Kilmer plays the role of the Caped Crusader and Bruce Wayne with Chris O’Donnell in the role of Dick Grayson/Robin while the villains in Harvey “Two-Face” Dent and Edward Nygma/the Riddler are respectively played by Tommy Lee Jones and Jim Carrey. Also starring Nicole Kidman, Pat Hingle, Drew Barrymore, Debi Mazar, and Michael Gough. Batman Forever is an entertaining but messy film from Joel Schumacher.

The film is about Batman facing two new villains as he tries to cope his role as Bruce Wayne and Batman where he also deals with his parents’ death just as a young man named Dick Grayson just lost his parents. While Batman deals with the maniacal Harvey “Two-Face” Dent, who was Gotham’s district attorney until an incident left the left-part of his face scarred as Batman was blamed for it, and a former Wayne Enterprise employee in Edward Nygma who becomes the Riddler. Adding to Wayne’s complicated life is the presence of a psychiatrist Dr. Chase Meridian (Nicole Kidman) who is obsessed with Batman as Wayne goes to her over his own identity issues. In taking the young Grayson, Wayne eventually realizes that he’ll need Grayson to stop Two-Face and the Riddler as Grayson would become Batman’s new sidekick Robin.

The film’s screenplay does create some nice reference to the origin stories of Robin, Two-Face, and the Riddler as they are interesting characters. Yet, the script is much-more lighthearted in its approach to action by infusing some humor into the film as it relates to the Riddler who creates an invention that would extract information from other people’s minds as he would be the one to discover Wayne’s secrets. They’re among some of the elements of the film’s script that works yet there’s some things that don’t work as the characterization of Dr. Meridian is she is this woman whose obsession for Batman makes her somewhat unprofessional as a psychiatrist. Plus, she becomes this damsel-in-distress later on as the writing doesn’t really give her more to do while some of the re-hashing of Bruce Wayne’s past is definitely uninspiring since it’s stuff that audiences already know.

Joel Schumacher’s direction does have some nice moments as the presentation of the film is far more colorful than its predecessors that were helmed by Tim Burton. Even as Schumacher was able to keep things lively in some of the film’s humor and action sequences with some dazzling compositions and moments that are very entertaining. Yet, there’s some moments in Schumacher’s direction that doesn’t work as there is a bit of cheese in some of the dialogue and action sequences where it’s clear that Schumacher wants to create something that is fun but there’s things that feels off since Batman is really a very dark character. One aspect of the direction that is very annoying are the slanted camera angles which are overdone as it makes not sense to some of the visuals in the film. While the film does have an amazing climax, it does get over-the-top at times where it would play into Batman finally accepting his two identities though some of the presentation comes off as very silly. Overall, Schumacher crafts an exciting but dizzying film about Batman and Robin fighting Two-Face and the Riddler.

Cinematographer Stephen Goldblatt does nice work with some of the film‘s extravagant lighting for the look of Gotham as well as creating some shadows and lighting schemes to play into some of the darker moments of the film. Editors Dennis Virkler and Mark Stevens do terrific work with the editing with its use of flashback montages and rhythmic cuts for some of the film‘s action scenes. Production designer Barbara Ling, with art directors Christopher Burian-Mohr and Joseph P. Lucky and set decorator Cricket Rowland, does excellent work with the set pieces from the look of Gotham as well as the secret lair of Two-Face. Costume designers Bob Ringwood and Ingrid Ferrin do some good work with the clothes that Two-Face and the Riddler wear though the look of the Batsuit with nipples and codpieces are just ridiculously bad.

Special makeup designer Rick Baker does amazing work with the look of Two-Face where his left face is badly scarred to play into his unstable personality. Visual effects supervisors Andrew Adamson, Eric Durst, Boyd Shermis, and David Stump do some wonderful work with the miniatures of Gotham and some of the CGI look in some of its action sequences. Sound editors John Levesque and Bruce Stambler, along with sound designers Frank Kniest and Roland N. Thai, do some superb work with the sound from the way Riddler‘s machine extracts information from other people‘s minds to the layering of sounds in the action scenes. The film’s music by Elliot Goldenthal is pretty decent for its orchestral bombast with some triumphant moments but also some humorous pieces while music supervisor Jolene Cherry brings in an eclectic soundtrack that features song by the Flaming Lips, U2, the Offspring, Brandy, and Seal.

The casting by Mali Finn is brilliant for the ensemble that is created as it features some notable appearances from Don “The Dragon” Wilson as a gang leader Grayson encounters, Jon Faverau as a Wayne Enterprise assistant, Rene Auberjonois as the doctor from Arkham Asylum, Joe Grifasi as a bank security guard that Batman saves early in the film, and Ed Begley Jr. as Nygma’s boss who is later killed by Nygma. One small role that isn’t very good is the Gossip Gertie character performed by Bob Kane’s wife Elizabeth Sanders as it’s a very annoying character that serves no purpose to the film. Michael Gough and Pat Hingle are terrific in their respective roles as Alfred Pennyworth and Commissioner Gordon as Gough serves as a father-figure to Grayson while Hingle has Gordon be the man who would bring Grayson to Bruce Wayne.

Drew Barrymore and Debi Mazar are both fun to watch in their respective roles as Two-Face’s assistants Sugar and Spice. Nicole Kidman is alright as Dr. Meridian Chase as this woman who has some charm and sexiness but the writing doesn’t really do any favors for Kidman as her character turns out to be very obsessed with Batman. Chris O’Donnell is excellent as Dick Grayson/Robin as a lost young man wanting vengeance on Two-Face while asking for help from Batman. Tommy Lee Jones is fantastic as Two-Face as this maniacal man who uses a coin to make decisions while wanting to kill Batman at any cost.

Jim Carrey is great as the Riddler as this former Waynes Enterprise employee who wants to get rid of Batman for not accepting his invention and become even richer than Batman as Carrey is just fun to watch. Finally, there’s Val Kilmer in a pretty good performance as Bruce Wayne/Batman as Kilmer does maintain that brooding persona of Batman but doesn’t really make Wayne very interesting while some of the characterization of Batman is off as it includes a shot of Batman smiling. Batman is not supposed to smile.

Batman Forever is a solid film from Joel Schumacher. Thanks to the lively performances of Jim Carrey and Tommy Lee Jones as the villains, it’s a film that is very entertaining but loses a lot of the dark aspects of the Batman character in favor of being more accessible to a younger audience. Especially as Schumacher’s colorful presentation is a bit overwhelming at times where it allows the film and Batman to lose its edge. In the end, Batman Forever is a good but troubling film from Joel Schumacher.

Batman Films: (Batman (1966 film)) - Batman (1989 film) - Batman Returns - Batman & Robin - Batman Begins - The Dark Knight - The Dark Knight Rises - Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice - The Lego Batman Movie - The Batman (2022 film)

© thevoid99 2014

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Written and Posted at Epinions.com on 3/31/04 w/ Additional Edits & Extensive Revisions.

Did you just get off a nasty breakup? Did the bad memories of the person you loved getting to you? Well, here in Lacuna, Inc., we decide to help remove those awful memories so you can get a chance to live a happier life without pain and heartbreak. There’s only one problem; Lacuna, Inc. doesn’t exist because it’s from the crazed imagination of screenwriter Charlie Kaufman and director Michel Gondry in their 2004 film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet about a couple who both just gone to a nasty breakup and decided to remove their memories of each other when one of them all of a sudden doesn’t want to anymore. With a fine supporting cast that includes Tom Wilkinson, Kirsten Dunst, Elijah Wood, and Mark Ruffalo, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a surreal, wondrous romantic-comedy that bends the idea of love.

After an awful break-up, Joel Barish (Jim Carrey) tries to deal with his heartbreak as he learns that his longtime girlfriend Clementine Kruczynski (Kate Winslet) has left him for another guy. When he tries to talk to her, she claims to have no recollections of who he is. Turning to his friends Rob (David Cross) and Carrie (Jane Adams), Rob gives Joel a card which revealed that Clementine has erased all of her memories of him. Joel decides to do the same as he meets Lacuna, Inc. chief Dr. Howard Mierzwiak (Tom Wilkinson) for the procedure as he ultimately decides to get rid of Clementine from his memories. With help from Howard's secretary Mary (Kirsten Dunst) and his two geeky technicians in Stan (Mark Ruffalo) and Patrick (Elijah Wood), things start to become surreal as Joel starts to look into his memories.

In his subconscious, Joel starts to see all of memories of Clementine starts to disappear as he immediately starts to regret what he's doing. Meanwhile in the real world, Joel is asleep as Stan and Patrick are removing his memories at Joel's apartment. Mary later shows up to help as Patrick leaves to go on a date with his new girlfriend that he calls Tangerine. Joel meanwhile, begins to examine the moments when he and Clementine weren't getting along as he then reflects on the good times as he talks with her in his memory as she learns what is going on. With Patrick out with his new girlfriend, Mary parties with Stan as things get weirder when the two learn that Joel is doing things inside his subconscious as they call Howard for help.

Howard finally arrives to help out as he sees what is going on as things become complicated over his feelings towards Mary. Back in Joel's subconscious, Clementine helps Joel to try and salvage all of the remaining memories left as Joel begins to regret what he's done. Meanwhile, Mary learns something about her own past in relation to Howard as his wife Hollis (Deirdre O'Connell) makes an appearance leaving everyone to question what they're doing.

Directed by Michel Gondry based on a story that he, Charlie Kaufman, and Pierre Bismuth came up with Kaufman writing the screenplay, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind isn’t just a vast improvement over their first collaboration together for the uneven but funny 2001 film Human Nature. It’s also Kaufman’s best work since 1999’s Being John Malkovich that was directed by Spike Jonze who also did 2002’s Adaptation with Kaufman. In the illustrious words of film critic Roger Ebert, Charlie Kaufman is one weird dude. There’s probably no screenwriter as famous as Charlie Kaufman since he comes up with stories of surrealism that are fascinating yet human. His screenplay for this film is filled with ambiguities and unpredictable moments where it’s like when did this happen or why is this character here? At first, it might seem inconsistent but Kaufman makes sure things don’t move to fast so the audience can get a chance to know what’s going on.

Michel Gondry definitely brings his training from his days as a music video director up to par for film. Where he had some fine moments in Human Nature, he finally gets his chance by manipulating visual techniques and bring this element of suspense as if you’re wondering what’s going to happen next or what’s going to drop. With the dizzying yet colorful cinematography of Ellen Kuras, Gondry brings up all of these elements of weird symbolism to heighten the suspense of a romantic comedy while belting out some strong dramatic moments from the actors. For Gondry, this is clearly not just his breakthrough film but he will indeed become a director to watch for. If Kuras’ blurry, colorful cinematography gives the film a lush look, the film score by Jon Brion of atmospheric, melancholic textures plays up to the film’s quirkiness and drama as well as songs from Beck, Electric Light Orchestra, and the Polyphonic Spree. Already, this is the first candidate for the best film soundtrack of 2004, so far.

If the screenplays of Kaufman always had a stellar cast, this one shines in its performances. While the smaller roles of David Cross, Jane Adams, and Deirdre O’Connell are fun to watch and do serve well, the film really pays more attention to principle cast of six actors. Though Elijah Wood wasn’t shown a lot in the film, he is excellent as the manipulative Patrick who tries to worm his way into Joel’s mind by scoring in order to score with women. After the success of his role as Frodo in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Wood scores with this performance by playing the role sensitively despite his intentions. Mark Ruffalo is funny as the geeky Stan with his brainiac mind and sensitivity as he plays around in his underwear with Kirsten Dunst while showing some sympathy later on in the film’s final act relating to Dunst’s character.

Kirsten gives a radiant yet exciting performance in the role of Mary. While Dunst is a master in comedy in her scenes when she’s stoned and dancing around in her underwear, Dunst displays some restrained dramatic performances in her scenes with Tom Wilkinson as she learns a secret about her while trying to prove to everyone she isn’t this dumb secretary. Dunst really shines in this film as she balances comedic theatrics and restraint drama. Tom Wilkinson brings in a masterful, charming performance as Dr. Howard Mierzwiak by playing the role in an American accent with a sense of humor and drama that shows Wilkinson’s range. There is probably no one better to play Mierzwiak better than Wilkinson since he is definitely someone that can do both comedy and drama.

The film’s two best performances easily go to Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet. Whereas Carrey has been known for playing crazy roles and Winslet in more restrictive, dramatic roles, the two definitely do the opposite in their performances. The chemistry with Carrey and Winslet are moving and fun as both play off their performance with spontaneity and romanticism. Kate Winslet delivers probably her best performance to date, as she feels relaxed and free with the punk-hair color changes and exuberance as she brings a wild personality to her performance. Winslet proves that she could be funny while displaying a touching moment in the film’s final act. Jim Carrey delivers his best performance overall even though he’s done drama before in Peter Weir’s The Truman Show. Carrey’s performance is extremely moving with his bowled, messy haircut, and puppy-dog sadness as he uses his comedic talents in a few scenes that are funny, especially when he acts like a child. In the dramatic moments, he definitely moves you with his mood as he brings in a performance that outshines all. Both Carrey and Winslet right now deliver the best performances of the year and hopefully, don’t get overlooked at the Oscars.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is one of the year’s brightest and most original romantic comedies in the past five years. With its colorful cinematography, an offbeat screenplay, Michel Gondry’s surreal direction, and a great ensemble cast led by the romantic performances of Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind clearly stands as one of the best films of 2004. For Charlie Kaufman, it’s right now his best screenplay while Michel Gondry proves himself as a director who knows how to manipulate images and minds with its quirky screenplay that surprises you right to the end. For a romantic film that is funny and moving, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is the film to see.

Michel Gondry Films: Human Nature - Dave Chappelle's Block Party - The Science of Sleep - Be Kind Rewind - Tokyo!-Interior Design - (The Thorn in the Heart) - The Green Hornet - The We & the I - Mood Indigo - (Is the Man Who is Tall Happy?) - (Microbe & Gasoline)

© thevoid99 2011