How Does Michael Gondy Use Camera Angles In Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind
Michael Gondy employs different camera angles, shots, and lighting to develop the narrative and theme in the movie Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. The odd shots and camera angles used in certain scenes reflect the complicated narrative of the movie. Part of the story takes place in Joel Barrish’s mind where his memories are slowly being erased. In the scene Joel and Clementine are in Joel’s memory of being a child, the camera angles used make it seem as if Joel is the size of child and Clementine is the size of an adult. The odd angles used in this scene helps viewer know that the scene is taking place in Joel’s memory. In another scene of Joel’s memories when Joel and Clementine are running in the snow along the beach, the long shots
used, make it feel like a dream. The stop between shot sizes adds a suspenseful element to the scene. More normal shot sizes and camera angles during the train scene when Clementine and Joel meet reflect the mood of the scene. The camera angles and shots help show that the meeting between the two is friendly and composed. In comparison, the quick close-up shots during Joel’s brain examination scene create a nervous mood in the movie. The overhead view of Joel and when he is in the process of getting his memory erased also helps create a nervous mood in the scene. During the scene in Joel’s memory where Joel and Clementine are in the house on the beach, Gondy uses cut-in shots and dark lighting to contribute to the suspenseful mood of the scene and help viewers understand that the scene is memory. The cut-in shots focus on Joel’s legs and feet that are that getting covered in water. The wide shot of the house falling apart contributes to the scene’s mood. The dark lighting and the sudden glow of the flashlight help create a sense of obscurity in the scene. Gondy’s use of camera angles, shots, and lighting helps develop the narrative and contributes to the mood of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
used, make it feel like a dream. The stop between shot sizes adds a suspenseful element to the scene. More normal shot sizes and camera angles during the train scene when Clementine and Joel meet reflect the mood of the scene. The camera angles and shots help show that the meeting between the two is friendly and composed. In comparison, the quick close-up shots during Joel’s brain examination scene create a nervous mood in the movie. The overhead view of Joel and when he is in the process of getting his memory erased also helps create a nervous mood in the scene. During the scene in Joel’s memory where Joel and Clementine are in the house on the beach, Gondy uses cut-in shots and dark lighting to contribute to the suspenseful mood of the scene and help viewers understand that the scene is memory. The cut-in shots focus on Joel’s legs and feet that are that getting covered in water. The wide shot of the house falling apart contributes to the scene’s mood. The dark lighting and the sudden glow of the flashlight help create a sense of obscurity in the scene. Gondy’s use of camera angles, shots, and lighting helps develop the narrative and contributes to the mood of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.