Triptych-(or how a screenwriter trumps the medium)
Charles Kaufman is obsessed with the nature of perception and existence. His crowning achievement, "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" finally gets it right after 2 inspired, but flawed, attempts. Those other 2 attempts are "Being John Malkevich" and "Adaptation". Both of those movies fall apart in the last act, with characters stepping out of character or coincidence marring the resolution and blurring the point.
Kaufman's scripts for these three movies get us right into the heads --literally in "Being John Malkovich" of the affected characters. Kaufman's scripts dance on the fourth wall, to the extent that he writes himself into "Adaptation". Portions of that movie take place on the movie set of the first! "Etenal Sunshine" brings Jim Carrey and a new director to the table. Carrey once again is able to get past being "Jim Carrey" in a way Jack Nicholson hasn't been able to do for 20 years.
"Eternal Sunshine" also features Kirsten Dunst, Spidey's flame. Yep, she melts scenery.
This is a movie for pretty much anyone, and I can't imagine why it got an R rating. I would suggest that it might not be as entertaining for the teen set, target audience would appear to be thoughtful adults. There is a leap of faith required, and this one has some cautionary elements regarding the effects of technology on our lives. Please rent this one, and keep an eye out for films penned by Charles Kaufman.
1 comment:
in a way jack nicholson hasn't been able to do in 20 years? i guess about schmidt in 2002, the pledge in 2001 and the crossing guard in 1995 don't count?
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