Donnie Darko Film Review by Muhammad Patel

Donnie Darko- Film Review

Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Drew Barrymore, Patrick Swayze, Beth Grant
Director: Richard Kelly
Screenplay: Richard Kelly
Rating: 5/5

Its October 1982: There’s 28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes and 12 seconds until the world ceases to exist. For all of you out there clutching your iPods and blackberries for dear life I wouldn’t worry, this is just the plot-line to Richard Kelly’s courageous directorial debut.

The story follows schizophrenic teen Donnie Darko (Jake Gyllenhaal), as a jet engine strangely smashes into his bedroom resulting in a series of surrealist events taking place involving Frank, a menacing six-foot demon bunny. The story is part sci-fi, dark comedy and teen romance with a hint of surrealism added for good effect.

After watching the film for the first time I was left with a feeling of deep confusion and darkness. What makes the film so brilliant is that as soon as you think you have figured it out it morphs into something else and suddenly becomes something deeper and more meaningful.

When watching the film, my first notion was that the magnificent Richard Kelly’s purpose was to create a film that was different to any other. The film provokes emotion and teaches us that nothing is impossible. I felt Kelly created an ensemble of themes and ideas resulting in a film as confusing and schizophrenic as the main character himself.

The main lead is played beautifully by Jake Gyllenhaal; he makes the audience feel as if they can see through Donnie’s eyes into his world, a distorted image of depression, teen angst and an unrequited love for everyone around him. He is a victim of his own empathy, sacrificing everything for his family and girlfriend. Donnie’s love interest is played by Jena Malone. The chemistry between them is awkward but believable showing us that strange feeling of first love.

The moment that culminated the whole meaning of the film for me was the caring conversation between Donnie and his mum:

Donnie: (to his mother) how’s it feel to have a wacko for a son?
Rose Darko: It feels wonderful!

The quote is significant because it gives me the impression that no matter what happens to Donnie, whether it is real or not, at the end of the day aren’t we all crazy in some way? Don’t we all wish we could have a greater purpose in life whether it is saving the world with a man in a menacing bunny costume? Isn’t it better to believe in the impossible than to just live and then die?