The Spotless Mind Sequence

SEQUENCE ANALYSIS

The sequence under analysis is 22:29 to 33:15 in the film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. In this sequence the main character, Joel Barish, is trapped in his subconscious memory revisiting past events. While Joel is under there is a real time procedure taking place to erase Joel’s past memories involving one Clementine Kruczynski, an ex lover. This sequence’s audiovisual, plot, and story info is critical for understanding the film’s overall message. The sequence starts while Joel has just began his erasle and is revisiting his latest memory, a conversation with a man that lives in the same building. As the scene progresses the viewer learns why Clementine Kruczynski doesn’t remember Joel, why Joel is reviewing past memories, and ultimately ends with learning Joel

This leads to Joel being angered and confused, and eventually arriving to the conclusion he must do the same. Joel is hurt and goes into the office to learn more about the procedure and beg for it to be done. After Dr. Mierzwiak agrees, Joel returns the day before Valentine's day to begin with the process of eliminating past memories with Clementine. He brings in all of his items that may remind him of her, and Dr. Mierzwiak begins to create a brain map of Joel’s memories. As the Doctor is talking to him, his memory becomes distorted and jumbled. The viewer starts to hear loud interference and then the camera pans out transitioning into real time event, showing Joel under procedure. This is where the sequence ends showing the viewer that the past eleven minutes and three mini-scenes, where all Joel’s memories. This allows the viewer to be filled in with the stories information, while keeping present day time going and not having to jump from past to present. This plot helps with segways and to eliminate as much confusion as