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Donnie Darko

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

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A bizarre, intriguing MASTERPIECE.

Nov 13, 2010

by NickPlusMovies
posted in Movie Hype

Rating:

(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 praise for this little movie to drive me to my grave, I decided to give it another chance. I impulsively purchased an inexpensive Blu-ray copy of this film at Best Buy the other day, and watched the original theatrical version last night. I had a feeling that it would soon become one of my favorites, and my senses didn't let me down. I'm not sure whether my inability to comprehend it the first time was due to my age or if it's just one of those movies that requires a second viewing, but I LOVED it either way. It's a funny thing, rediscovering and falling in love with a movie that didn't impress you the first time around. But with "Donnie Darko", it's understandable. What isn't there to love?

"Donnie Darko" is a bizarre psychological thriller named after its protagonist, Donnie Darko, a paranoid schizophrenic teenager whose life is saved by his imaginary friend-- a large bunny rabbit named Frank-- when an airplane engine falls from the sky and destroys his bedroom. After this strange event, Donnie's visions only become more and more recurring, and he begins to commit a series of crimes in response to Frank's requests, renewing his violent past. He also develops an obsession with time travel and seeks answers regarding what lies ahead, after being told by Frank how many days remain before the end of the world. Angst-ridden, the only person who Donnie is truly able to connect with is Gretchen Ross, a girl in his class who claims to have been born with tragedy in her blood. As the story progresses, so do the weird, supernatural, freaky, and thrilling elements.

Written and directed by 25-year-old Richard Kelly, "Donnie Darko" stands next to "American Beauty" as one of the greatest debut feature films of all time. It's hard to believe that Kelly only received $9,000 to write and direct the film, when it had a budget of 4.5 million dollars. This frustrates me. With a very limited release, "Donnie Darko" only grossed roughly 4.1 million dollars, meaning that it only profited from its DVD sales. This is precisely why it's considered a "cult classic" (on top of not getting nominated for a single Academy Award). Luckily, many people know about the movie today, and it seems that it's on its way to becoming a classic. All it needs is a little bit of time to ferment.

"Donnie Darko" is so well written that it was nearly a crime to deny this movie of a nomination in the Best Original Screenplay category. The smallest bits of dialogue spoken and the most meticulous details presented are perfectly incorporated to the film's fascinating storyline. Every puzzle piece fits together so well, but there are still some pieces missing in the end. After watching this film again, I was speechless. The second it was over, I felt like watching it once more (maybe the director's cut this time), but it was getting late, so I was off to bed. I don't believe anyone will ever fully comprehend this film. So many questions are left unanswered in the end, and so much is left to self-interpretation and analysis. In this sense, I like to compare it to "2001: A Space Odyssey".

This movie's direction and cinematography is outstanding. Richard Kelly uses interesting camera angles and movements to make it more of a jaw-dropping experience, visually. It's beautifully shot and very stylistic. One of the first scenes of the movie really demonstrates this (it's my favorite scene of the movie, by the way): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWJPa0bvWnM

The one thing that sets this film apart from any other is the mood it creates. Never before have I felt the same way while watching a movie. It evokes sadness, confusion, reflexion, laughter, and joy-- all at the same time. It's quite difficult to explain what the result is; it's something you must experience for yourself. The film's music definitely came into play with the mood and atmosphere. On top of Michael Andrews' delicate (and sometimes frightening) score (listen to it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doC63IdYlA0&feature=related), the film has a soundtrack that consists of dreamy 80s music (e.g. Tears for Fears). The song choices are perfect, and the lyrics complement the story appropriately (I love the use of the song "Mad World" towards the end of the movie).

I know what you're thinking: "All of this blah-blah, and he still hasn't said a word about the acting!". Well, give me a second! I thought I would save that for last!

Donnie Darko is played by the one and only Jake Gyllenhaal, following his breakout performance in the critically-acclaimed film "October Sky". At 20 years old, I believe he was the perfect choice! I particularly liked him in the scenes were he argued with his authorities, because I could see a bit of myself in him. Seeing his performance in this film is like looking through a crystal ball. Judging by his talent, you just know that the kid is going to have a successful career later on. Now I'm going to have trouble seeing him in anything else, because I'll always associate him with Donnie Darko. In my head, they are the same person. Playing Donnie Darko's older sister is... Jake Gyllenhaal's older sister. What a relief. Maggie Gyllenhaal also has a praiseworthy performance. Other honorable mentions out of the wonderful cast: Patrick Swayze (R.I.P.), Mary McDonnell, Jena Malone, Drew Barrymore, Katharine Ross, Beth Grant, and Noah Wyle. Seth Rogen also appears in this film as one of Donnie Darko's classmates, a minor character. This was his first performance in a feature film.

In conclusion, though "Donnie Darko" may be a very strange, surrealistic film, it manages to play with the viewer's emotions in a unprecedented way. Its underlying themes of human existence, complexity, fear, and hope are deep and resonant, and its important motifs remind us of the film's message. Interpretation differs from person to person, and this film gives room for it. Personally, I believe that the following quote has a great amount of meaning, both to the story and to real life: "I promise, that one day, everything's going to be better for you." (Donnie says this to his classmate Cherita Chen). If you haven't seen this film, it's high time that you did. And if you have only seen it once, watch it again! "Donnie Darko" is a mesmerizing film that deserves at least two viewings! It's another addition to my list of favorites...

Lastly, I feel it necessary to say that I admire Richard Kelly for making such a passionate and unique masterpiece. I don't think it matters whether or not he will make a film that even comes close to this one (his recent efforts disappointed many). Even though he received a very menial salary and very few awards for "Donnie Darko", he should feel accomplished, knowing that he crafted what will go down as a classic, decades from now. My life would be complete if, in the future, I could make a single film just half as good as his.

Overall rating:
★★★★★
9.6/10

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QUEENBFLIX November 18, 2010

I hope you consider putting this review in the Movie Hype community because I'd like to spotlight it in my B-Movies and B-Yond section. It used to be the Cult Movie section but people got weird immediately over what I chose to call cult movies. No doubt about DONNIE DARKOs qualifications as a cult movie, that's for sure.

NickPlusMovies November 19, 2010

Agreed. So how would I put this in that section? Sorry, I'm new to this site.

QUEENBFLIX November 19, 2010

Under the title of your review there's a thing that says "actions'. Click on that. A bunch of choices should pop up, among them "add to community", then you just click on "Movie Hype". Of course first you have to join the Movie Hype community which isn't all that hard either. To join the community go to your profile page. Under your Big Name you'll see a grey bar with lots of options. One will be for communities. Click on that and a list of all of them will come up. Just scroll down until Movie Hype appears. Click on that and it will take you to the community where you will find out how to join. I think all you have to do is click a thing that says "follow".

NickPlusMovies November 21, 2010

Thanks. I followed your steps and I managed to do it :)

QUEENBFLIX December 02, 2010

Good. I'm going to be doing a spotlight some time this week.

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Scotman November 15, 2010

I so could not get into this film at all. Good review!

NickPlusMovies November 15, 2010

Well, you should give it a second chance. Thanks!

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woopak_the_thrill November 13, 2010

This was one of those movies that took me 2 viewings to really like. Loved the way you mixed in those youtube scenes with your review. Excellent work!

NickPlusMovies November 14, 2010

Thank you! :)

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More Donnie Darko reviews

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

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review by cyclone_march. October 13, 2010

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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review by JP_Rocky_Raccoon. June 21, 2007

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'Through a Glass Darkly'

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, … more

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About the reviewer

Nick Lyons (NickPlusMovies)
Ranked #1191

Member Since: Nov 13, 2010
Last Login: Dec 7, 2010 09:39 AM UTC

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