After graduating film school in 1997, Richard Kelly conceived an idea of a jet engine falling from the sky crashing onto a house with no clue where it came from. Mixes a coming-of-age teen movie and science fiction in an attempt to push creative boundaries. Richard selected the 1980s as the main setting and exploring the concept of time travel. He also added some material based on his teenage years like nearly running over a homeless person, arguments with teachers at school and sleepwalking.
In 1999, he presented his project, “Donnie Darko” to a few studio producers. They rejected it believing Richard’s inexperience to make a mindbending film. One day, when two agents of Creative Artists Agency or CAAA for short became interested in the script. Francis Ford Coppola had a meeting with Richard. Encouraged him to make the film. While on the set of “Charlie’s Angels,” Drew Barrymore read Richard’s script. She agreed to help finance along with her production company, Flower Films.
Donnie Darko premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 19, 2001 and given a limited theatrical release nine months later. After 9/11, the film had minimum marketing due to a scene featuring jet turbine crashing a house. As a result, it was a commercial flop. Overtime, re-releases recouped its $4.5 million budget grossing $7.5 million and sold DVD copies. Donnie Darko gained a cult following for complex narrative. Three Years Later, Richard Kelly edited and released a Director’s Cut version with never-before-seen footage. The late Daveigh Chase reprised her role as Samantha Darko in “S. Darko” in 2009.
Anyway, I have three reasons why wanna review Donnie Darko.
- Jake Gyllenhaal’s next film, “Remain” directed by M. Night Shyamalan is slated to be released on February 5, 2027.
- Richard Kelly reveals he’s working on “The Philosophy of Time Travel.” A novel which serves as a sequel to Donnie Darko.
- It’s Halloween Month. I intended to watch and review spooky stuff. Donnie Darko’s primarily set in October.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving you a chance to see this modern classic.
Smart & Dumb Qualities
Smart: Jake Gyllenhaal did a fantastic job for his performance as the titular character.
Other Cast Members such as Jena Malone, James Duval, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Patrick Swayze, Noah Wyle, Daveigh Chase & Katherine Ross all did a decent job for their respective performances.
Drew Barrymore served as an executive producer. She also plays Donnie’s literature teacher, Karen Pomeroy.
Richard Kelly did a splendid job directing.
Funny Moments in between.
Cinematography’s shot in tip top shape.
Pacing felt stable.
Frank the Bunny’s costume looks good. Speaking of which, he’s a driving force guiding Donny he has a few days until the world ends.
Donny’s conversation at dinner time officially establishes his personality.
Primary Themes are Mental Illness, Free Will, Hypocrisy, Fate, Isolation & Choice. Each one’s handled maturely.
The Ending’s open to interpretation.
After watching for the first time, it’s worth a rewatch for subtle clues. Changes your perspective on the story.
Here’s what’s included in the Director’s Cut adding 20 minutes of additional footage providing context.
- Various texts taken from a fictional book, “The Philosophy of Time Travel.” Each page acts as a comprehensive guide on the concept of time travel.
- Donny has more interactions with his family like carving pumpkins with his sister, Elizabeth.
- Karen teaches her class, “Watership Down.”
- Donnie learns what’s inside his prescription medication.
- Improved Sound quality.
- Tweaked Visual Effects.
- INXS’s “Never Tear Us Apart” replaces Echo & the Bunnyman’s “The Killing Moon.”
- An extreme close-up of Donnie’s eye pays homage to a similar camera technique from “Blade Runner.”
Fun Facts
- Chris Stuckmann mentioned Donnie Darko as one of his favorite films.
- Jake Gyllenhaal stated his performance as the titular character is one of his favorite roles.
- Seth Rogen makes his film debut as one of the bullies. What’s his first line? “I like your boobs.” Not kidding. His actual first words onscreen.
- Christopher Nolan saved Richard’s work from going to home video. He gave Richard some advice. Write a countdown until the world ends. Meaning, Mr. Nolan contributed to the film.
Random Thoughts
- I prefer the Director’s Cut over the Theatrical Cut. Again, it provides context.
- My favorite part is when the characters arrive at school while Tears for Fears’ “Head Over Heels” plays in the background. Rewatching the entire film has subtle foreshadowing. That scene earns Bonus Points as one of the best needle drops in cinema history. Why? Because you see who’s who based on a specific character’s trait.
Dumb: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving the cast and crew an Extra Point for making a flawless film as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Donnie Darko holds up as a modern classic. A thought provoking sci-fi thriller that scratches your brain. Encourages you to rewatch and fully comprehend time travel. I think the Director’s Cut is a vast improvement. I strongly recommend it over the Theatrical Cut.
Rest in Peace Daveigh Chase & Patrick Swayze
