Movie Review: Donnie Darko
I’m a bit late to finally see this, but Donnie Darko is one mind-fuck of a movie that I loved for its strong characters, awesome film techniques and just the general darkness of the theme and atmosphere.
Donnie Darko is about well, Donnie Darko, a messed up teenager that seems to have the symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia. He has an imaginary friend, Frank, who is dressed as a rather twisted version of a bunny rabbit. Donnie often claims to his therapist that Frank tells him to commit the acts that create havoc in their neighbourhood.
The move takes on a very surreal feel, with fragmented scenes, and chopping camera shots. The music in the background often takes some scenes on a montage type feel, and adds to the surreal mood. This surreal mood is very dark and results in the movie straddling with the horror genre though cult movie is more accurate.
The plot is a bit twisted and there are lots of questions raised. Some things are left unknown and there’s a nice mind-fuck of a twist at the end. The plot is certainly the driving force of the surrealism but the techniques make it that much stronger.
Donnie Darko is worth watching if you’re into dark or cryptic and twisted type movies.
Rating: 
One of my all time favourites. Just so sad, angry, cynical, beautiful, brave, lovely and twisted all at once.
Kath Lockett’s last blog post..
I liked that movie too. I didn’t totally “get it” but that’s OK too. I’m used to that with all the David Lynch movies I’ve seen. Mesmerizing, even though at the end I’m going “WTF???”
Tom Harper’s last blog post..Washington’s Version of the Salem Witch Hunts
I like those movies where you love them and not quite get them. I didn’t get everything in Donnie Darko but enough for it to make sense.
Have you seen the trailers for S. Darko, the sequel that focuses on Donnie’s sister, Samantha? She’s played by Daveigh Chase, who was the evil stringy-haired little girl in The Ring. I can’t wait to see S. Darko, because I thought Donnie Darko was exquisitely weird.
Emily’s last blog post..Blogging as Prayer
I’ve heart about the sequel, S. Darko and would be curious to watch it even though some say it’s disappointing.
Goodness, I didn’t even know it had been released already… I’m behind the times. I don’t have quite as high expectations for movies as some folks do, so I’m sure I’ll enjoy Samantha’s story.
Emily’s last blog post..Blogging as Prayer
I don’t have that high expectations either. I’m usually satisfied easier than most. Might have to check it out and review it too now.