Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) Michel Gondry
Discussion Questions, Resources, and Viewing Guide
“Madness in Movies” Coordinated Studies
Brian Holt & JC Clapp, North Seattle Community College, 2012
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In the first 10-15 minutes of the film the characters of Joel and Clementine are
established. What physical details are we given about them that help us to understand
their mental states? Consider their body movements, their appearance, and their dialogue
(self-talk as well as what they say to each other).
At about 18 minutes into the film there is a sudden cut to Joel crying in the car and the
opening credits start to roll. We soon realize that the film doesn’t move in chronological
order. Write out the narrative of the film in chronological order, and then show where the
film jumps through the story (where the flashbacks and flash forwards are, for instance).
How does this erratic narrative reflect the content and themes of the film?
Notice how the words of the opening credits become dappled and then fade – why might
the director have chosen to show them that way?
Look up the diagnostic criteria for Dysthymia and Major Depression. Which is more likely
that Joel is suffering from? How do you know?
How is Joel’s character developed throughout the film? What aspects of his apartment,
clothing, and physical characteristics give us insights into what kind of person he is? How
does he change, if at all, as the film progresses?
Look up the diagnostic criteria for Bipolar Personality Disorder, Borderline Personality
Disorder, and Cylothymia. Do any of these conditions seem to fit Clementine? If so, which,
and how do you know? If not, what else might be a diagnosis?
The cinematography in this film is unique. Choose one scene and describe the
cinematography techniques used (where are the long shots, close-ups, canted angles,
depth of field considerations, etc.). How do the camera angles communicate meaning?
What special effects do you see in this film? How are they used? Choose a particular scene
and point out the special effects and how they are used to communicate.