A somewhat deflating re-viewing. The loss of wild surprise was greater than any increase in comprehension. Able in retrospect to put the story together, I was less blown away by the energy of the telling. Where the the manic visuals seemed thrilling first time through (in a first-rate theater), they began to seem a little cheesy on second look. Cleverness can sweep you away once, but second time through you look for deeper satisfactions, and I did not find them on offer here. (Unlike Charlie Kaufman’s earlier celebrated screenplay, Being John Malkovich, which grew with familiarity.) I like all the actors a lot, from Kate Winslet to Tom Wilkinson, and there are plenty of moments that are funny and inventive, and plenty of occasion to think about just what memory is, but even at its furious pace Michel Gondry’s film wants to tug hearts, and it just does not tug mine. (2004, dvd, r.) *7* (MC-89, RT-93.)
Another reconsideration: A day later I was checking out the rather lackluster extras on this dvd, when I thought to fast-forward through just to get the structure clear in my mind, and wound up revisiting various moments. Though the characterizations remain thin, the performances are solid and the structure does hold (unlike the beach house at the end.) There is a coherence to the madness. Like an amusement park ride, your first time through is wild exhilaration, then second time a letdown, and third time you begin to appreciate the makers’ intent. Not in a class with Before Sunset and Sideways, Sunshine is still among the better films of the year. Final grade: *7+*
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