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Donnie Darko

Director Richard Kelly's strange science fiction drama about a teenager named Donnie Darko.

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'Through a Glass Darkly'

Jun 21, 2007

by JP_Rocky_Raccoon
posted in Movie Hype

Rating:

It is hard to describe the plot of 'Donnie Darko' without making the movie seem repellant. 'Donnie Darko' is purposely ambivalent, and the causality of bizarre events is intriguing from the very start. The journal development is a retro trip in itself. Using footage of the Dukakis and Bush (I) debates before the 1988 election, the movie authenticates its setting of a high school near the end of the eighties. How they manage to mix nostalgia with an eerie tale and dark manifestations is a mystery, but they pull it off. Uniquely enigmatic with the memories they elicit, the movie has the effect of being a 'Twilight Zone' manifestation of 'Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion.' (Aptly, the soundtrack draws from "Tears for Fears" instead of "Bow Wow Wow".)

Now about the story. Our titled tortured protagonist (Jake Gyllenhaal in another talented role) is undergoing psychiatric care complete with medication. The first hint we have that things aren't going well is when an ominous voice summons Donnie out of bed to meet him somewhere in the dark. What we discover there on a golf green is a six-foot rabbit, who, if his processed voice weren't so menacing, could only be dismissed with chuckles. (One can only describe the creature as a rabid or demonic 'Harvey'.) And, indeed, our best evidence of a demonic presence is when Donnie asks him later, "Why do you wear that stupid bunny suit?" To which the voice quickly replies, "Why are you wearing that stupid human suit?") Here he announces to the disturbed adolescent that the world is going to end in approximately a month--Halloween 1988--to be exact. After that we get varying degrees of maladjustment with some foreboding events. Upon his return home he discovers he narrowly escaped death when an airplane part fell through his bedroom, leveling much of the house. A grateful Donnie will do anything for "Frank," who saved him from the debacle. From there a series of inexplicable events take place that leave one glued to the screen with magnetic interest.

'Donnie Darko' is a mysterious and disturbing alternative movie. Some of the draw comes with the acting. Keeping it real is no short order. The scenes of hypnosis are mesmerizing with Dr. Therman (played with expert delicacy by Katherine Ross) who tries to uncover Donnie's pathology. But it isn't that easy. In the meanwhile, Donnie, himself, seeks a teacher at his private school and an elderly woman down the road who has written a book about time travel. Dabbling with penetrating thoughts about predestination and the occult, Donnie's predicament is fascinating. Drew Barrymore, whose mere presence could singularly bring flashbacks of the eighties, is the producer and plays lively English teacher, Karen Pomeroy, a character who provides a pivotal place for social commentary. (Besides a mysterious mood piece, some satire is accessible.) On the staff is stalwart moral zealot, Mrs. Farmer, who is almost painted in clown white during her ignorant tirades. There's also preacher-like motivational speaker, Jim Cunningham (Patrick Swayze who makes his character creepy enough) who has a few skeletons in his own closet.

'Donnie Darko' deserves accolades for being so original. With effective performances that include the delicious novelty of having Donnie's sister played by real-life sister Maggie Gyllenhaal, the elements speak for themselves. Nevertheless, the overall effect is not as satisying as the creativity, and the story leaves some gaping holes that, while like real life, are unsettling nonetheless. 'Donnie Darko' will fill a black hole for teenagers who will relate to some of Donnie's difficulties that beg for meaning. (Recommended for a different sort of movie adventure.)

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More Donnie Darko reviews

review by NickPlusMovies. November 13, 2010

posted in Movie Hype

A bizarre, intriguing MASTERPIECE.

(Read this on my blog: http://nickplusmovies.blogspot.com/2010/11/m...-donnie-darko-2001.html) "28 days... 6 hours... 42 minutes... 12 seconds. That... is when the world... will end." Two years ago, I watched the cult classic "Donnie Darko" for the first time. Though I didn't think it was bad, I wasn't exactly blown over by it. I didn't understand it, truth be told. Two years later, having heard enough … more

Comments (9) Compliments (72)

Quick Tip by rbuchanan. June 30, 2011

A Quick Tip by rbuchanan

This bloodless production's period costume design, cars, TV newscasts and popular music do nothing to make it seem like anything other than a product of its torpid decade; you can't sell a counterfeit 1988 to a fledgling of that enormous, tacky era. If I want '80s teen angst or surrealism, I'll consult the genuine article and watch some old David Lynch or John Hughes films (separately), all of which have what this film doesn't: character, substance and zeitgeist without all the … more

Comments (9) Compliments (9)

review by cyclone_march. October 13, 2010

posted in Movie Hype

Not quite anythign in particular

Finally, the pseudo-spiritual, pseudo time travel stuff falls short because nothing actually ties it together. Which is unfortunate, because if it had, I would have found it to be a near brilliant movie. In brief, Donnie Darko is a troubled teen who is possibly schizophrenic, possibly a character quite literally out of time. He gets information and commands from a frightening rabbit character who gives him the date of the end of the world--Halloween 1988. The … more

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Quick Tip by SheilaDeeth. February 03, 2011

A Quick Tip by SheilaDeeth

Fascinatingly odd. One of my sons was very keen to watch this and went out and bought after we rented it together. Definitely odd, but so intriguing I couldn't wait to watch it again.

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review by Lopez15. April 10, 2010

posted in Movie Hype

What would you do if you knew the future?.....

Do you ever wonder if the world you are living in is real? Do you wonder if it is nothing more than just a fabrication of your own insane imagination, or if it is happening for real? Donnie Darko is asking himself those very same questions as he travels down a mind breaking, insanity inducing journey that leaves you with a disturbing and haunting answer that will shatter everything you think you know about reality and also leave you with one nagging … more

Comments (2) Compliments (12)

review by Count_Orlok_22. December 23, 2008

posted in Movie Hype

"Where Is Donnie?"

-This review was written in conjunction with the standard edition of the DVD, not the 2-disc Director's Cut- 2001 was a year full of outstanding films, but one film stood out from all of the others for its sheer inventiveness, its brilliant vision, and its director's ambition. No, I'm not talking about The Lord of the Rings (although, my previous statement could easily be applied to that film as well). Richard Kelly's feature debut film as a director, Donnie Darko, is a … more

Comments (16) Compliments (37)

review by JezebeltheNun. January 06, 2009

This is one of the most overrated movies ever to have been made.

To be honest, I've seen the movie a few times in my life, and I still couldn't tell you what it's supposed to be about. There's a brooding teen, a deformed rabbit suited alien from the subconscious of said brooding teen, and a lot of dead end imagery that, though it looks nice on film, makes for a confusing and ridiculous movie. To me, the movie seemed more like an attempt at "art school hip" that fell short and landed in the "self-indulgent crap" category, instead. So … more

Comments (13) Compliments (21)

review by Schtinky. November 26, 2008

Dreams and Funny Bunnies

In Donnie Darko, I am vaguely reminded of the question put to the test in The Seventh Sign, where Demi Moore is asked, "Would you die for him?" She doesn't understand the question until the ending. In a way, I compare Donnie's dream, or alternate reality, to this question: "Would you die for love?" It also brings about another question, "Is it better to have loved and lost, then never to have loved at all?" Donnie is odd, Donnie is strange; but Donnie is a likeable kid despite his problems. … more

Comments (2) Compliments (11)

review by SusiDee34. March 11, 2009

Donnie Darko - 2001

Pros: liked the story, on the border about Frank Cons: none for me The Bottom Line: “I find it hard to tell you, I find it hard to take When people run in circles its a very very Mad World, Mad World” ~Gary Jules You can beat your head against the wall and try to ‘figure out’ Donnie Darko or you can just take it for what it is, a movie with an intriguing … more

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review by laurashrti. February 13, 2009

Donnie Darko Makes a Marko

Pros: Thought-provoking, interesting concept, variety of actors and actresses Cons: Some people may not get it The Bottom Line: Donnie Darko made a marko on me. A man in a bunny suit, an alternative time-line, a variety of quirky characters, and mostly Jake Gyllenhaal make this movie one-of-a-kind.

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see all Donnie Darko reviews (16)

About the reviewer

John L. Peterson (JP_Rocky_Raccoon)
Ranked #112

I am a substitute teacher who enjoysonline reviewing. Skiing is my favorite pastime; weight training and health are my obsessions;and music and movies feed my psyche. Books are a treasure and a pleasure … more