MovieChat Forums > Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) Discussion > Why wouldn't Lacuna contact Joel...*spoi...

Why wouldn't Lacuna contact Joel...spoilers

posted 8 years ago by J-No
4 replies | jump to latest

...and tell him that Clem had him erased? This would be an opportunity for them to "market" the procedure to him as well.

He was obviously upset, and sought out the procedure once he learned from Carrie and Rob that Clem had the procedure. I suppose that with all the people that received notification about Clem's procedure (Carrie and Rob, Joel's neighbor, family, co-workers, other friends, etc.), it's likely that Joel would've found out from somebody. Also, at some point, there would have to be a breaking point for Joel as Clem continued to "act" like she didn't know him.

But what exactly would Lacuna have to lose by proactively contacting him right away?

[–] Qrispy 8 years ago

The "Joel" that was half of "Joel and Clementine" did not exist anymore, if you understand what I'm trying to say.

We thought we lost you. Welcome back.

[–] J-No 8 years ago

Thanks for the reply.

The "Joel" half of the relationship equation (confused, frustrated, heartbroken) seemed to still exist pre-Lacuna. Joel became a willing candidate for the procedure himself only after learning about Clem's procedure.

So, why would Lacuna wait for him to come (or risk him not coming) to them? It's almost like, "Dear Joel, Clem had all memories of you erased. She will neither recognize nor remember you when you approach her. At this point, you will remain frustrated with that knowledge unless you can get over it on your own. To be sure, wouldn't the procedure make perfect sense for you, too? Sincerely, Lacuna".

[–] tinasparklesau 8 years ago

This is a major oddity in the film for me! For a start, wouldn't the person who had been erased be the most obvious and first person to approach the person who had the procedure done? Apart from the woman seen with her dogs belongings, Lacuna seems to target people that have been through a recent break up. Break ups and make ups are so common, it's weird that the only person who wouldn't receive a Lacuna letter is the person who had been erased.

Perhaps this is precisely why marketing isn't necessary? The marketing is already there naturally once the 'erasee' finds out what happened, their knee jerk reaction is to run straight out and get the procedure done too - just like Joel did. I recall Mary telling people on the phone how heavily booked out they are due to Valentines Day, yet they slip Joel in straight away...

[–] J-No 8 years ago

The marketing is already there naturally once the 'erasee' finds out what happened, their knee jerk reaction is to run straight out and get the procedure done too - just like Joel did.

Unless I'm missing something else, this explanation occurred to me as the most logical.

Why wouldn't Lacuna contact Joel...*spoilers*

Why wouldn't Lacuna contact Joel...spoilers