Who Is Dr. Mierzwaik's Memory Removal Procedure

Topic:
I want to write about the film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind for my second essay. To be more specific, I want to analyze the two relationships that occur between the protagonists Joel and Clementine as well as Mary and Dr. Mierzwaik. I want to discuss the failure of Dr. Mierzwaik’s memory removal procedure. Although Dr. Mierzwaik’s procedure removes certain memories, it fails to completely remove one’s feelings. Additionally, the memory removal procedure takes the characters backwards, rather than helping them move on as they eventually find themselves attracted to each other once again. Therefore, history seems to be inevitably destined to repeat itself and erasing one’s memory cannot eradicate one’s feelings. Ultimately, I
want to discuss how having a spotless mind does not bring eternal sunshine. In other words, having a mind rid of bad and heartbreaking memories does not always result in happiness.
The following are brief arguments to support the thesis mentioned above:
The Importance of Memories: The whole movie explores the importance of memories; as certain memories can have a huge impact on one’s life. Therefore, the movie implies that by simply removing these memories allows one to move on and start a new life. However, the movie seems to imply a critique of this notion, as the characters do not move on from their past love but rather find their way back to each other. This illustrates that memory is an important part of one’s life, but, taking away a certain memory does not change fate. This is illustrated through Joel and Clementine’s relationship, as it was fate that allowed them to meet. Even though they erased each other from their memories it does not stop them from meeting again.
Joel and Clementine: Joel and Clementine seem to balance each other’s life, as we see Joel as an introvert and not impulsive, while Clementine is depicted as an extrovert and impulsive.
In a way they need each other, as the story progresses, we see Joel affected by Clementine’s impulse character as he begins to embody this impulsive nature. This is illustrated as Joel decides to erase Clementine from his memories impulsively merely acting on his anger and heartbreak. We also see Joel acting impulsively when he decides to ditch work and go to Montauk for the day. Additionally, it is due to this impulsive nature that ends up bringing Joel and Clementine back together. Therefore, even though they erased each other from their memories they are still attracted/drawn towards each other. This illustrates that even though their memories of each other have been erased from their minds the impulsive nature still exists along with their attraction for each other. The fact that they are still attracted to each other illustrates that their feelings
remain. This movie implies that erasing the bad or painful memories will allow one to live happily with ease. However, after Joel erases Clementine from his memories and wakes up the next morning, his expression is vacant as he blankly stares at the ceiling. This illustrates that Joel’s now spotless (rid of all the unhappiness/heartbreaking memories) mind does not result in happiness. Rather, this scene conveys the message that he is sad and frustrated as he is depicted aggressively kicking off his sheets. In addition, erasing Clementine from his memory does not result in him moving on as he meets her again the next day. Therefore, although Joel does not have any memory of Clementine his feelings and ability to be attracted to her is not erased.
Mary and Dr. Mierzwaik: Mary and Dr.
Mierzwaik’s relationship also illustrates that a spotless mind does not result in a blissful life, as certain memories can be erased but feelings cannot. This is depicted as Mary reads quotes in an attempt to impress Dr. Mierzwaik since she seems to like him. Later she finds out she once had an affair with Dr. Mierzwaik and got the procedure to erase him from her memories. Thus illustrating the failure of Dr. Mierzwaik’s procedure as it does not allow one to move on as it draws them back to each other. In addition, it seems as if history is destined to repeat itself, these couples are meant to fall in love and learn lessons whether it is painful or
not.