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A troubled teenager is plagued by visions of a large bunny rabbit that manipulates him to commit a series of crimes, after narrowly escaping a bizarre accident.
Jake Gyllenhaal: Donnie Darko
Donnie Darko is a deep insightful look into a very deep and meaningful subject that borders on the metaphysical and into a realm bordering between psychic channels, dreams and the deepest recesses of the mind. Not only this but time as a parallel and the idea of loop holes and alternative realities pops up throughout the journey of Donnie and all those around him.
Donnie Darko may conjure up an apparition in a bunny suit called Frank and Abyss like liquidy shapes showing people's desires and future paths protruding from everyone's chests but on a emotional level it is very much human, an extremely psychological case.
Darko is a drama and thriller but also a superb character study too . We are often led to question whether Donnie's visions and actions are the result of a paranoid, deluded, drug induced mind? Or whether in fact he really is experiencing all these surreal happenings.
His gradual decay as he realizes that there is no hope and that he may have to go through eternity alone is beautifully executed, while the sense of peace and inner fulfillment he ultimately achieves shows he knows what he has to do. That's why he gets back into bed, that's why the paradox of him not choosing to listen to the voice a 2nd time is such genius and that in itself is a symbol and act of true sacrificing heroism.
Darko concludes in a most mouth wateringly mind bending, emotional way. It will fuel debates for years and years to come but emotionally it redefines the workings of how movies are defined.
The last few minutes where Tears For Fears & Mad World is played over shots of various characters contemplating their actions are miraculously shown, while the lyrics perfectly summarize Donnie's state of mind.
Furthermore, the last few lines of the film are meaningful on so many levels, and mark the end to a film drenched in turbulent emotion, flowing surrealism and unrivaled beauty.
This remains the part of Darko which will make you want to watch it again. You'll think you've discovered what's really going on after the first time, prove yourself wrong on the second time, and will sit and watch every possible detail the third time.
Extremely well written with three dimensional layered characters speaking electrifying dialogue. Richard Kelly has created an instant cult classic, and undeniably something more than that, something deeper.
10/10
