Garrett Dalton-Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Are our lives predetermined or do we have the ability to effect the outcome of our lives? The film, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, seems to show that both are possible. A person can make choices and at other times have no control over the events in their life. The film is a great love story on the surface focusing on the relationship between the lead characters Joel and Clementine that begins well, but ends in breakup. Unable to cope with the memory of the relationship, the two characters visit Lacuna Inc. to have their memories erased. During the procedure to relieve Joel of his memories of Clementine, Joel comes to the realization that he is truly happy when he is with Clementine and he attempts to prevent the procedure's success. It is from these two events that the movies seems to show Joel's ability to make his own choices to effect his life. Joel saw a problem and tried to make a change. Ultimately, the memory of Clementine is lost. However, not soon after Joel encounters Clementine on a train and the two fall in love all over again. Despite having their memories of the past relationship erased, the two onces again seem to strike a connection and fall in love. This seems to show that their lives were driven as much by fate as they were by choice. Joel and Clementine's relationship was predetermined and no choices Joel could have made would have changed anything.