Here is our list of the top 15 quotes from this wonderfully unique sci-fi romantic drama directed by Michel Gondry and written by Charlie Kaufman. The story follows estranged lovers Joel Barish (Jim Carrey) and Clementine Kruczynski (Kate Winslet), who after breaking up, decide to undergo an experimental procedure to erase each other from their memories.
[as he’s taking the train to Montauk]
Joel Barish: Random thoughts for Valentine’s Day, 2004. Today is a holiday invented by greeting card companies to make people feel like crap.
[after Joel and Clementine notice each other during their trip to Montauk]
Joel Barish: Why do I fall in love with every woman I see that shows me the least bit of attention?
[as Joel is getting prepared for having his memories of Clementine erased]
Joel Barish: Is there any risk of brain damage?
Dr. Mierzwiak: Well, technically speaking, the procedure is brain damage, but it’s on a par with a night of heavy drinking. Nothing you’ll miss.
[Mary quotes from from Friedrich Nietzsche as she’s making a toast]
Mary: “Blessed are the forgetful, for they get the better even of their blunders.”
Clementine Kruczynski: I don’t constantly talk. Jesus! People have to share things, Joel.
Joel Barish: Mm-hmm.
Clementine Kruczynski: That’s what intimacy is.
[to Stan, whilst they’re smoking a joint looking after an unconscious Joel]
Mary: You look at a baby, and it’s so pure, and so free, and so clean. And adults are like this mess of sadness and phobias.
[as he’s having his memories of Clementine erased]
Joel Barish: I could die right now, Clem. I’m just happy. I’ve never felt that before. I’m just exactly where I want to be.
[as Joel is having problems recalling his life before Clementine]
Joel Barish: Oh, man! I can’t remember anything without you.
Clementine Kruczynski: [sighs] That’s very sweet. But try, okay?
[as Joel is having his memories of Clementine erased]
Clementine Kruczynski: Too many guys think I’m a concept, or I complete them, or I’m going to make them alive. But I’m just a f**ked-up girl who’s looking for my own peace of mind. Don’t assign me yours.
Joel Barish: I remember that speech really well.
Clementine Kruczynski: I had you pegged, didn’t I?
Joel Barish: You had the whole human race pegged.
Clementine Kruczynski: Hm. Probably.
[during the erasing process, Joel remembers the day they met at a beach house in Montauk]
Clementine Kruczynski: This is it, Joel. It’s going to be gone soon.
Joel Barish: I know.
Clementine Kruczynski: What do we do?
Joel Barish: Enjoy it.
[as his last memory of Clementine begins to fade]
Clementine Kruczynski: Joely, what if you stayed this time?
Joel Barish: I walked out the door. There’s no memory left.
Clementine Kruczynski: Come back and make up a goodbye at least. Let’s pretend we had one.
[she walks down the stairs towards Joel]
Clementine Kruczynski: Bye, Joel.
Joel Barish: I love you.
[Clementine leans in and whispers]
Clementine Kruczynski: Meet me in Montauk.
Clementine Kruczynski: I’m not a concept, Joel. I’m just a f**ked-up girl who’s looking for my own peace of mind. I’m not perfect.
Joel Barish: I can’t see anything that I don’t like about you. Right now I can’t.
Clementine Kruczynski: But you will! But you will. You know, you will think of things, and I’ll get bored with you, and feel trapped, because that’s what happens with me.
Joel Barish: Okay.
[pause]
Clementine Kruczynski: Okay.
[they both laugh]
What do you think of our list of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind quotes? Let us know in the comments below as we’d love to know.