Donnie
Darko (2001)
A Newmarket/Pandora/Flower
Films Picture
Directed by: Richard Kelly
Starring: Jake Gyllenhall (Donnie),
Jena Malone (Gretchen), Drew Barrymore (Ms. Pomeroy),
Mary McDonnell (Mrs. Darko), Katherine Ross (Dr.
Thurman), Patrick Swayze (Jim Cunningham), Noah
Wyle (Prof. Monnitoff), Maggie Gyllenhall (Elizabeth)
Running Time: 1 hour, 53 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Official
Website Link | Buy
it from Amazon |
SPECIAL
FEATURES
Directors, Actors Commentary
20 Deleted/Extended Scenes w/ optional director commentary
"Cunning Visions" Infomercials
The Philosophy of Time Travel Book
Website Gallery
"Mad World" Music Video - that's an incredible,
depressing song.
Art Gallery & Production Stills
Theatrical Trailer and TV Spots
Cast
and Crew Info
All in all, a very healthy amount of extras for a film that
really didn't do that well in the theatres
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Lowdown:
Donnie Darko is a film that requires multiple viewings to
fully appreciate. I suggest renting first
to see if you want to own it. I bought it blind based on the
tons of maniacal reviews out there. I understand it now, but
after that first viewing, I was wondering if I had made a
mistake. I know now that I didn't. |
Cellar Door
Apparently Donnie Darko has gained
cult film status. And deservedly so, as it fits the mold of
most cult films: unsuccessful at the box office, at least
the first time around; a strange plot; captivating to those
who do get the film. And Donnie Darko is all of those.
The story is about Donnie Darko, a
mentally troubled (read: crazy) teenager who has a problem
with sleepwalking and also happens to talk to a 6-foot tall
bunny rabbit with teeth that would make Freddy Kreuger proud.
Oh yeah, the rabbit tells him the world will end in 28 days
and some change. Luckily for Donnie though, during one of
his sleepwalk sessions with the bunny, this time at the golf
course, a jet engine falls into his bedroom, destroying it
and most certainly him, if he had been there. But he wasn't.
And we now follow Donnie around as he meets a girl, deals
with his therapist, his family, and the knowledge that the
world will end in 28 days. Oh yeah, he still talks to the
bunny rabbit named Frank too.
Now if that isn't a killer plot, I
don't know what is! Anyways, it's a fascinating ride, unless
you're watching it for the first time. For me, that first
time was spent wondering what the hell is going on? But once
you get to the end, you just have to go woah. And I highly
recommend a second viewing. The movie is quite beautiful,
especially with all the other little dramas going on: the
sad Charita Chen; the motivational speaker Jim Cunningham;
the craptacular Sparkle Motion; the 'fuck-ass' sister; the
English teacher trying to reach the kids but pissing off the
community by doing so; the parents coming to grips with their
psychotic son; the understanding of time travel..... There
really is so much going on and it's all beautifully filmed.
Even better is the fantastic soundtrack which is based mostly
on New Wave Eighties music. Excellent. And what made me really
love the movie is that Donnie wears a Hobie t-shirt in one
scene. How kick ass is that???!!!
So like I said, give it a chance or
two and you may become one of the many rabid fans out there.
I've heard that a Director's Cut is being released to theatres
during this summer of 2004. I may have to go check that out
if it makes it out here to Vegas.
Scenes to Remember:
Charita's performance at the Talent Show; The "Mad World'
ending; the introduction to Middlesex School; The rationale
of the Smurfs.
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