DVD Release
Donnie Darko (2001)
R1 / NTSC DVD
20th Century Fox / 2003
Director: Richard Kelly
Writers: Richard Kelly
Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Maggie Gyllenhaal, James Duval, Patrick Swayze, Seth Rogen, Drew Barrymore, Noah Wyle
Review by Vaughn Drake
Perhaps my favorite movie of all time, and quickly becoming my most watched movie, Donnie Darko is the story of one confused teenager who comes to realize his world will end in “28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes, 12 seconds.” Donnie’s response and the question on the viewers mind as well is simple and to the point “Why…?”
Why indeed. Richard Kelly crafted a beautiful tapestry that he himself never fully understood, so it’s up to each individual viewer to decide the importance and significance of the information provided. Each scene advances the story to such a degree, that it’s almost impossible to catch everything the first time through.
Featuring almost no gore or violence, and absolutely no nudity (yes, the holy trinity of horror and b-movie making is missing!) this one will entertain you with subtle jokes, classic straight lines, a fantastic 80’s soundtrack that’s used to perfection, some great performances and great subdued direction. Not to mention a story that will boggle your mind and make you want to talk about what you’ve just witnessed.
If there’s one complaint I have about the movie, it’s that one tiny deleted scene should have been included in the film—it was that crucial. The scene in question, in the psychiatrists’ office, was added back in for the directors cut.
Sometime over the last few years people have labeled Donnie Darko as “emo” and have bad mouthed the film like it was a plague carrying movie, but don’t believe them. You’ll get no raccoon eyed, tight pants “the world makes me sad and I want to slit my wrists” characters here. Instead you’ll get kids being kids (dumb mistakes and comments with the assurance that only teenagers can have), talking about Smurfs having sex, shooting bottles, teenage love and of course, Donnie trying to figure out why the world has to end and what he can do to save it.
Meticulously crafted with every scene advancing the story and providing clues and at the same time, it’s an infuriating movie because you may never be able to figure it out. If you talk to someone who says they “get” everything about this flick—they’re deluding themselves. It demands multiple viewing to catch all the nuances, but can be enjoyed on a mere single viewing. Some amazing musical cues, one liners and performances. I can’t recommend it enough.
