Donnie Darko
Fifteen years before Stranger Things combined science-fiction, Spielberg-ian touches and 80s nostalgia to much acclaim, Richard Kelly set the template - and the high-water mark - with his debut feature, DONNIE DARKO. Initially beset with distribution problems, it would slowly find its audience and emerge as arguably the first cult classic of the new millennium.
Donnie Darko (Jake Gyllenhaal) is a disturbed adolescent from a semi-functional, upper-middle class family, gifted with a sharp intellect and vivid imagination - but he's also a bit weird. Donnie's off his medication and when his boredom is obliterated by a falling airline engine, he becomes increasingly delusional and convinced the world will end in 28 days. Aided by an imaginary friend, he embarks on an increasingly crazed series of actions, which horrify his teachers, scare his parents and amaze his friends.
Nominated for the Grand Jury Prize - Dramatic at the Sundance Film Festival. Nominated for Best First Feature, Best First Screenplay, and Best Male Lead (Jake Gyllenhaal) at the Film Independent Spirit Awards.
"Kelly is a supple and courageous storyteller, boldly free-associating as he mixes parody and satire with earnest psychodrama and coming up with plot points no one could anticipate." - Lisa Alspector, Chicago Reader
"It remains an aesthetically filmed blend of off-beat comedy, mind-boggling sci-fi, and subjective storytelling that serves as a singular and timeless piece of cinema." - Kyle Aaronson, PopMatters
Related videos
Comments (16)
Admittedly, I was a late bloomer to watching Donnie Darko. A twisted tale of causality and fate, I loved two things most about this cult classic: Jake Gyllenhaal's superb acting (the mental derailment of his character is magnificently portrayed) and the movie theater scene - the ominous music ...Read more
Admittedly, I was a late bloomer to watching Donnie Darko. A twisted tale of causality and fate, I loved two things most about this cult classic: Jake Gyllenhaal's superb acting (the mental derailment of his character is magnificently portrayed) and the movie theater scene - the ominous music choice was perfection and leaves you feeling unsettled.
Read lessFrustrating, as it could be an excellent movie if it focused on fate more and spent less time telling the audience how to feel. Still entertaining, just sad to see a movie unexpectedly raise interesting questions while not bothering to explore them, and instead waste time treading water ...Read more
Frustrating, as it could be an excellent movie if it focused on fate more and spent less time telling the audience how to feel. Still entertaining, just sad to see a movie unexpectedly raise interesting questions while not bothering to explore them, and instead waste time treading water reinforcing emotions you probably already have.
Read lessDonnie Darko Is my favorite and one of the best films ever.
I liked it so much, I'd rewatch it if Kanopy got the Director's cut.
Donnie Darko is one of the most outrageous movies I've ever seen.
I don't get why so many people think this movie is so deep and powerful. I did not find in particularly thought-provoking or compelling, just weird in a superficial, self-absorbed manner. Makes gestures towards its 80s setting by including a couple of political references and some ...Read more
I don't get why so many people think this movie is so deep and powerful. I did not find in particularly thought-provoking or compelling, just weird in a superficial, self-absorbed manner. Makes gestures towards its 80s setting by including a couple of political references and some (generally bad) period music, but does not effectively evoke the era in any meaningful way. Very disappointing.
Read lessThe film isn't meant to provoke the 80s. It's about Donnie learning to see the beauty in the world (Gretchen) so that he can overcome his fear of dying alone, thereby empowering him to accept his death by the plane engine.
Now I want to start a bluegrass/metal fusion band and call it "Sparkle Motion".
A very nice story about life and chickens.
Great film and wonderful performances by actors in the early part of their careers. Would like to see the directors cut.
I could not get into this movie, I am finding hard to find good movies, most of them I have never heard of.
A really bad movie. Very self involved and fake deep. Really bad visual graphics. And a lot of useless plot points that try to loosely fit together.
Would have preferred the Director's cut, seeing as how that is my favorite movie. This version is still good, but feels like it's lacking somewhat
What a twisted , beautiful film. Highly recommended
However small James Duval's role is in this film, he nevertheless imbues the project with a lasting sense of nineties apocalyptic cinema - this is a must-watch.
I am so excited to see this film on Kanopy! Such a cult classic from when I was growing up... in time for Halloween too!