In 2001, Donnie Darko opened in the United States with an all-star cast, and an overall lack of viewer interest. Maybe it was the state of the world at the time that left Darko brushed out of the minds of the movie goers, but the film much like lead character Donnie Darko struggled to find its place in the world.
At its heart, Donnie Darko is movie about a misunderstood teenager who suffers from schizophrenia. Donnie’s friend is Frank, who is either a man dressed in a bunny outfit or just an imaginary creation from Donnie’s mind. When a plane engine crashes into Donnie’s room, his family begins to mourn his death only to learn that he miraculously did not sleep in his bed that night. Donnie’s survival plunges him into a disturbing tale of self-discovery as Frank convinces him to commit random acts of violence. Donnie, an intelligent boy who sees himself as a teen hero, begins to lead a revolt against the adult world and social confines.
Donnie lives in your perfect “Leave it to Beaver” world, one where a person who questions authority sticks out like a soar thumb. Throughout Donnie’s immersion into schizophrenia, Darko will dare to test religion and confines of space and time.
Beneath the story of schizophrenia and teen problems, lies a metaphorical smorgasbord about second chances, religious allegories and parallel universes. Under the guise of Darko’s psychological affliction, viewers are left wondering if this story is a figment of his mind or if it’s really a sci-fi movie. Donnie Darko dares to ask the questions that trouble the average teenagers mind, without being overbearing about it. Where do I exist in relation to the world? Does the world care if I die? Do we all truly die alone?
For most, the brilliance of Donnie Darko will escape comprehension. Darko a psychological mystery that demands a second watch and an understanding that not all stories need a clear-cut beginning, middle and end.
Donnie Darko is a disturbingly good feature that deserves a second chance.
Disc 1 Special Features:
- Includes both the original theatrical version and 2004 Director’s Cut of the film.
- Audio commentary (Director’s Cut) with Writer/Director Richard Kelly and Director Kevin Smith.
- Audio Commentary with Cast and Crew (Original Theatrical Version Only)
- Commentary with Writer/Director Richard Kelly and Actor Jake Gyllenhaal (original theatrical version only)
Disc 2 Special Features
- Production Diary with Optional Commentary by Director of Photography Steven Poster: Go through each scene in Donnie Darko from the location scout to the last moment of Donnie’s life with the production team.
- “They Made Me Do It Too” – The Cult of Donnie Darko Featurette: Learn why Donnie Darko was better received in the UK than in the United States
- #1 Fan: A Darkomentary – Darryl Donaldson winner of the Donnie Darko number 1 fan competition proclaims why he is Donnie Darko fan number 1 or Donnie Darko Prime.
- Storyboard-to-Screen Featurette
- Director’s Cut Theatrical Trailer
Title: Donnie DarkoStarring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Drew Barrymore, Noah Wyle, Jena Malone, Patrick Swayze and Mary McDonnell
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: February 10, 2009
Rating: 8.5 / 10
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