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Eternal Sunshine

Date: Apr 28 2004

Intro

1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.

2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.

In the new movie Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Joel is stunned to discover that his girlfriend Clementine has had the memories of their difficult relationship erased. Out of desperation, he contacts the inventor of the process, Dr. Howard Mierzwiak, to have Clementine removed from his own memory. But as Joel’s memories progressively begin to disappear, he begins to discover their earlier passion. From deep within his brain, Joel attempts to escape the procedure.

Listen in to Beth and Miguel’s discussion of Eternal Sunshine to learn more about the film.

Dialog

1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.

2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.

Miguel

Beth

Miguel: Beth, I saw the greatest movie the other night. I really, really, really think you should see it as soon as you can.

Beth: What film did you see?

Miguel: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind_* which is, uh, the one with Jim Carrey and Kate, something – the one in Titanic*_. I can’t remember her last name.

Beth: So, I saw the preview for that film and it looks kind of surreal and doesn’t it deal with dreams and some interesting psychological content?

Miguel: Yeah, it’s really off the wall. It’s one of those movies that makes you think a lot, and that’s what’s so cool about it is it’s not just the movie. There’s, um, just so many implications about memory and reality and, like, what’s really happening in life and what is a dream or imagination, and, um… It’s one of those things that you just know is going to stick with you for a long time.

Beth: Well that’s interesting because I always think of Jim Carrey in such, you know, the typical comedy role. So, is there a comedy element to this film as well?

Miguel: I would say it’s funny, but it’s definitely not a comedy. It’s more, uh, more of a drama, I think.

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Discussion

I saw Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind last week and it was amazing. It was definitely one of the best movies I’ve seen in a long time. I felt really good when I left the theater, because it seemed like anything was possible. The film really made me question reality, which is always an interesting thing to do.

See you at the movies!

Zach

Comments

✰Nikki✰

United States

I watched Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind yesterday and I have to say Jim Carrey really suprised me. I’ve never seen this side of him.

How great it would be if we could just like that erase troubling or painful memories from our minds. Destructive love affairs, embarrassing moments, pranks, traumatic experiences or painful critics. What an easy way out it would be! I however, would like to retain the lessons I’ve learned from any mistakes I made.