Indeed, pride and prejudice apply to different situations and settings, remaining fresh no matter how many times you revisit them. Humans are always prone to blindfolding themselves without even realizing it.
It wasn't until now that Michelle finally understood.
There was some awkwardness, a bit of unease.
But at least, it wasn't too late.
Michelle paused for a moment, letting his thoughts return to the project. Compared to his personal frustrations, he was more concerned about the future of the project. Looking at Anson in front of him, Michelle finally grew curious—he wanted to explore Anson's thoughts.
"So, what about Joel?"
The words slipped out.
Charlie: ???
Sir, this isn't the time to discuss scripts or characters! Who knows if Focus Features has already reached out to Nicole Kidman's agent while they're "chatting?"
But the words were already out, and Charlie held back his response—did this mean that Michelle was finally willing to give Anson a chance?
Without meaning to, Charlie also looked at Anson, quietly holding some expectations.
Anson didn't respond immediately but instead thought carefully.
In a previous life, what was Jim Carrey's performance like in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind?
To Anson, it had similarities to The Truman Show. Jim Carrey tapped into a unique quality between comedy and tragedy. His portrayal of Joel was dull, stiff, conservative, and slightly neurotic, loving Clementine in his own way.
Even though Jim Carrey had restrained himself to the utmost, he still couldn't completely rid himself of his comedic instincts—it had been his trademark for over a decade. There were traces of it, and it was clear how director Michel Gondry worked with Carrey to balance this neurosis. This created a subtle harmony between Joel and The Truman Show.
This trait was the key to Jim Carrey's success, yet at times it also became the shackles that limited his breakthroughs.
Luckily, in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, this neurosis sparked chemistry with Clementine, becoming an extra asset.
Without a doubt, Jim Carrey did an outstanding job.
So, what was Anson's advantage?
Or, to put it another way, what would Anson's portrayal of Joel be like?
One thing was certain: when it came to comedic talent, Anson couldn't compare to Jim Carrey. His interpretation of the character would naturally be different.
"From a psychological perspective, love can be divided into two types."
"One type is finding someone similar to yourself, whether it's personality, appearance, interests, or values—someone in the same category."
"The other type is seeking someone different—someone completely opposite to you."
"Some people tend to fall in love with those similar to them, falling for the same type of person over and over again. Others fall for someone different every time, but the emotional connection remains."
"The former seeks a sense of safety and recognition, where resonance is key."
"The latter seeks novelty and adventure, where experience is key."
"In my understanding, Joel and Clementine fall into the latter category. They search for the missing parts of themselves in each other. Only by embracing each other can they complete the puzzle."
After a small pause, Anson's words left Charlie and Michelle a bit perplexed. But as he continued, their vision opened up, as if a door to a new world had been unlocked.
In Jim Carrey's version of Joel, Anson believed that Joel and Clementine were essentially the same type of person. Though their expressions were different, both lacked a sense of security and desperately tried to draw warmth from each other. When they hit a wall, Clementine decisively chose to erase her memory, and Joel, in retaliation, did the same.
The inherent neurosis in Jim Carrey's performance subtly echoed Kate Winslet's portrayal of Clementine's neurosis.
However.
Is that really who Joel is?
Anson didn't think so.
From Charlie Kaufman's script, Joel and Clementine should be two completely different personalities—polar opposites. Their worlds should never have intersected, yet they fell in love, like the ocean meeting fire.
Clementine sought security in Joel, while Joel sought adventure in Clementine.
This was the foundation and core. Building the characters and plot from this would lead to a completely different dynamic. The story might still follow the same beats, but the motivations, emotions, and states would change, transforming the characters' chemistry and the texture of the story.
"Joel, at his core, is insecure."
"Because he's so afraid of the world and terrified of the unknown, he chooses to hide in his shell, living a quiet and obedient life. It's not until he meets Clementine that his deep desire for adventure awakens."
"Their arguments, clashes, and conflicts all stem from their differing personalities."
"When Clementine realizes that Joel is also insecure and she can't find the security she seeks in him, she decisively chooses to leave."
"At that moment, Joel realizes that in trying to step out of his comfort zone, he's still stuck inside it, which ultimately causes him to lose Clementine. He chooses to erase his memory, just like her. On the surface, this decision seems like a retreat back into his shell, refusing to take risks. But in reality, it's his first real act of adventure—he's becoming more like Clementine, though he doesn't realize it."
Michelle took a sharp breath.
This was something he hadn't thought of himself.
Anson's analysis and interpretation of the character went far beyond Michelle's imagination.
But Anson didn't stop. He didn't bask in Michelle's surprise or Charlie's contemplation. He remained fully immersed in his own thoughts.
"So, when the memories begin to collapse, Joel realizes from those recollections that Clementine had already unknowingly changed him. Those conflicts, those clashes, were precisely the key to his growth. He shouldn't forget those memories—he should hold onto those scars."
"So Joel tries desperately to salvage his memories."
"Like Icarus."
Michelle was completely absorbed in Anson's words, unconsciously murmuring, "Embracing the sun?"
In Greek mythology, Icarus was the fool who flew towards the sun with wings made of wax, only to have them melt and plunge into the sea.
Flying too close to the fire is seen as foolish by most. But behind that foolishness is a purity and simplicity, a kind of innate strength.
Love is much the same.
Knowing that the ocean and fire are incompatible, yet still rushing to embrace each other, burning one's soul to feel the warmth of emotion.
This, indeed, was the core of Michel Gondry's original inspiration for the film—a fact he himself had long forgotten.