Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is probably one of the most incredible films I’ve seen in my entire life. The movie touched me so deeply, had me so gripped, engaged in such a human journey (of love), and in such a profoundly unique way, I was stunned.

Obliterated really, as an audience member and aspiring writer.

If you haven’t seen it, see it before you die. It will infinitely increase your appreciation for love (which you probably already have elevated to the level of the heavens). Yes, a movie can still do that. This one does, and in the most surprising and unexpected way.

I love that…when an anything, someone, movie, anything, surprises you, expanding your concept of something. It’s one of the most enjoyable experiences to have.

And this film achieves it.

Moving through the memories of what the film did, contemplating what Charlie Kaufman did, reminds me of a friend of mine. We all… have that friend… who delivers joy to our lives by their everything. Their thoughts, dreams, habits, bad habits, mistakes, loves, actions, values, their everything. That friend who we enjoy for existing. For who they are, just as they are.

Now, why did I say that?

I guess this guy channeled his experience of love into characters…but…it’s such a specific experience. It’s universal. You know what he’s talking about through your own experience sorta. You begin feeling along with the people in the movie cuz you recognize the reactions from places in your own life. The situations call up tension or joy, you’ve visited or seen somewhere. Though, the layout of the movie is completely alien.

I think it’s so extraordinary when a writer and director can do that (via the actors of course).

And it’s like being given a gift as an audience member.

Makes you want to give back to them in some way. But all you can do is give em’ a rating on some site. Or be comforted in the fact they made alot of money.

This type of writer and this type of director who execute something that climbs inside of you so deep, it touches your own experience (with some kind of power), are storytellers to me. Cuz to me… storytelling takes you on a journey you’re actually on…not just watching…or hearing.

Storytellers shift or expand our worlds. The really good ones even seep beyond credits.

Plus imagine. They had to tell their story to so many people. Folks in turn add their take of what they’ve been told, in costume, music, location, acting, lighting, props, make up, even how those characters might do their hair. They have to tell and move all those people so much, that the picture they add to the picture they’re creating, fills it in, in its own way.

Then we have the picture from their head, spread out in the world, ready to film.

Charlie Kaufman.

May Gaitskill (The Secretary).

Andre Dubus III.

Storytellers.

“Say who you are, really say it. In your work and in your life. Tell someone who is lost, someone not yet born, someone not born for 500 years.”

To me, they all are and I hear them (delighted to).

[Quote by Charlie Kaufman]