Many people mistake science fiction for spaceships and blasters, so when a science fiction movie comes around that doesn't contain either, like Gattaca or Brazil, critics describe the movie instead as surreal. While that adjective may justly describe those movies, it's poor payment for that science fiction tradition that celebrates ideas over action.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a science fiction movie. Given one unreal but scientifically plausible idea (that one could erase memories), the rest of the movie is logical and internally consistent. Joel Barrish (Jim Carrey) is an awkward and lonely New York salaryman who, on a typical commute, decides suddenly to call in sick and heads to the beach at Montauk, even though it's February. The cold weather and deserted beach match his mood, but something draws him to a girl in an old orange sweater. On the train back, she takes the initiative and introduces herself as Clementine (Kate Winslet). The suddenness of it all is both shocking and exhilarating for Joel, but nothing compared to the shock he's about to get when Clem returns from her apartment with her toothbrush and mail.

I hesitate to share any more of the plot, because in a story of ideas, the plot serves as the antagonist by exploiting the ramifications of the idea (if so, then...). That basic idea is that there is a company that offers the ability to erase memories, amiably staffed by efficient receptionist Mary (Kirsten Dunst), inventor/doctor Howard (Tom Wilkinson), and somewhat nerdy technician Patrick (Elijah Wood). Add to the plot mix a tumultate relationship between Joel and Clementine and a very impetuate action by her, then let the rest of the movie play out.

I'd somewhat given up looking for this type of story from a movie, as it seemed the movies had followed the science fiction novel industry in emphasizing action over thought SF short stories, which do not support their authors, seemed to have been the last bastion for this type of story. Perhaps because special effects have become cheaper over the years, smaller independent films like this have a niche. I look forward to seeing if that proves true. I also look forward to seeing what screenwriter Charles Kaufman does next. Although I was lukewarm to his previous efforts, Being John Malkovich and Adaptation, his scripts have improved each time and I have no qualms about adding Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind to my top ten favorite movies.