I've posted on Eternal Sunshine several times. Top ten all time favorite for me. Another film that I simply cannot believe was conceived and produced. Well done, humanity.
I've gone into a complete structure analysis that you can check here if you're curious.
This week though I was looking back over primarily the first half of the film.
In the most simple sense, it is a setup and a takeoff, then a decision to change course. That's the first half. Obviously, a million other genius moves were made along the way by screenwriter Charlie Kaufman, director Michel Gondry, and team.
One of these hyper specific genius points that struck me again this time around is that of the plant and payoff of Huckleberry Hound.
Man, this is so well done: you might consider it a reverse plant and payoff.
The core question of this film: is it a good idea to erase the memory of lost love? What else is lost with that? What makes reality and life, and does erasing your past change everything? For better or worse?
Near the film's start Joel admits he doesn't know what Huckleberry Hound is. Near the film's end Joel mentions that his favorite thing as a child was his Huckleberry Hound doll. We realize this is something he lost amidst this journey.
It breaks my heart a little bit for the character. So subtle. A simple answer to the core question. Dude lost his favorite childhood item and all the warmth, connection, and comfort that goes with it.
This isn't just about losing lost love. It's about losing yourself. "I don't want this anymore. I want to call it off!"
So well done.
Be well. LionSuit.com (images and words are original.)
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