Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind

Our SCIENCE ON SCREEN Film Series is an unexpected pairing of current, classic, cult and documentary film with lively introductions by notable experts in science, technology and medicine.

THE FILM: ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND is an off-the-wall romantic science fiction film about an estranged couple who have each other erased from their memories.  Only through the process of loss does the couple discover what they had to begin with.  The film stars an ensemble cast, with Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Tom Wilkinson, Elijah Wood, Mark Ruffalo, Tom Wilkinson, Jane Adams and David Cross.  Charlie Kaufman wrote the Oscar-winning screenplay.

Director Michel Gondry.  108 mins, Rated R for language, some drug use and sexual content

With Dr. Mary Harrington, Smith College and UMass

THE TOPIC: How is memory represented in our brains? Can scientists erase specific memories? Is there something special about the dream state that alters memories? Can people be conscious while they are dreaming?  Would erasing your memories of a relationship erase love? Does falling in love permanently change your brain?

Dr. Harrington studies the link between disruption of circadian rhythms and health. Sleep deprivation is a common occurrence in modern day society and affects millions of people.  Epidemiological studies suggest there is a link between occupations that involve shift work or frequent jet lag and an increased incidence of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other negative health consequences.  Dr. Harrington is studying how we can better adapt our internal rhythms to the demands of the 24/7 work world without compromising our health.

Dr. Harrington received a B.S. in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University, an M.A in Psychology from the University of Toronto and a Ph.D. in Psychology from Dalhousie University. Currently, she is the Tippit Professor in the Life Sciences at Smith College in Massachusetts. In addition, she is a member of the Neuroscience and Behavior Program at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

Each film in our SCIENCE ON SCREEN Film Series is used as a jumping off point for the speaker to discuss scientific research, technological advances and other compelling topics, providing the perfect combination of entertainment and enlightenment.

Thanks to our sponsors: