Introduction of 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' at QFT

I recently got the opportunity to introduce one of my favourite films 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' at Queen's Film Theatre, Belfast. I was really nervous to have to speak in front of a large audience but the speech went well and I really enjoyed it!

I wrote the speech on my own and tried my best to incorporate engaging language to keep my audience's attention.

 Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Hi my name’s Lia and I’m part of the Takeover youth panel at QFT. At Takeover myself and other young people ages between 15-20 meet regularly to organise our annual film festival which takes place in February, review films and take part in workshops to learn more about the film industry.

 It’s a brilliant way for people like myself who want to pursue a career in film to develop our knowledge, skills and confidence. For anyone interested in being involved in takeover, it’s a fantastic opportunity and I would encourage you to come and talk to me or another takeover member about becoming involved. We would love to get your feedback after this screening and you can also get a chance to enter a prize draw to win £200 worth of House of Frazer vouchers.    

The film your about to see is part of our Sci-fi season, which is supported by the British film institute and film hub N.I and is part of the BFI sci-fi- days of fear and wonder programme running at QFT this month and next. So far we have shown brazil, the girl who leapt through time and on the 29^th and 30^th of November we are showing the brilliant hitchhikers guide to the galaxy and the classic 2001:a space odyssey.

So, who says sci-fi can’t be romantic? Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless mind is a film is written by the acclaimed Charlie Kaufman and visionary director Michel Gondry. Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet play a couple undergo a procedure to erase each other from their memories when their relationship turns sour, but it is only through the process of loss that they discover what they had to begin with. The film uses elements of science fiction, psychological thriller, and a nonlinear narrative to explore the nature of love, loss and memory. The film has had high acclaim from film critics, with particular praise around its acting and writing. It won the 2004 Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and Kate Winslet also received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Although I personally feel Jim Carrey has an exceptional performance also in the film.

Although this film is set in a sort of parallel world from ours and the story is adventurous and surreal, I feel like everyone can find something to relate to in the story, which is one of the reasons I love the film so much. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, it’ll make you want to cry and laugh at the same time and I hope all of you enjoy it as much as I did!