Donnie Darko

Note: This review is of the theatrical release version, not the Director’s Cut DVD that is rated R “for language, some underage drug and alcohol use, and violence.”

“Donnie Darko” is a low-budget film that was released in 2001. Initially, it wasn’t successful, but later gained notoriety through critical acclaim and by word-of-mouth. Several years after its release, it is now considered a cult classic. In the aftermath of its success, a Director’s Cut was released in 2004, increasing the film’s enigma. However, this review is based entirely on the theatrical cut. While “Donnie Darko” is fresh in its uniqueness, its invocation of confusion is the direct result of its many paradoxes.

Donnie Darko (Jake Gyllenhaal) is a troubled teenager who sees hallucinations of a freakish rabbit. This tall rabbit is named Frank, who often causes Donnie to sleepwalk. One of these episodes saves him from being killed when a plane’s engine crashes into his room. The rabbit then tells Donnie that the world will end in 28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes and 12 seconds. During this countdown, Donnie questions the supernatural, time travel, and the purpose of his visions. While the plot is much more complicated than this, this is the essence of the dark thriller.

The directing and the cast are top notch. “Donnie Darko” marks debut of its director/writer Richard Kelly. No question or doubt arises from the film of his strong talent. Director Kelly, indeed, creates an intriguing film which immediately hooks the viewer with its twists and turns. In the forefront, Jake Gyllenhaal is able to expertly show Donnie’s troubles through his facial motions and body language. While Donnie is an outcast, his character is very well-rounded, and the audience could empathize with some of his actions. Albeit, his behavior isn’t always appropriate, but he remains relatable.

Some of the secondary characters are incredibly two-dimensional and even cheesy. Perhaps these portrayals were included to help Donnie emerge as one of the only sensible human beings in the film. Not only is Donnie insightful with his science and English teacher, he seems to be the only one to see through the façade of local author Jim Cunningham (more on him later).

While “Donnie Darko” begins promisingly, the ending never solves its paradoxes, instead leaving an impenetrable trail of unanswered questions. In its wake, it leaves an unpleasant feeling of being dumbfounded. The film explores many issues of the supernatural, predestination, and time travel. Within these topics are even more themes and subtleties that eventually make this film too rich and too thick with substance for any logical analysis or mental digestion.

After rewatching some scenes, I still felt unanswered and have come to personally theorize that the paradoxes are purposeful, with any absolute answers permanently out of the equation. With this in mind, I would have to say this film is a very clever debut for having people want to discuss and debate the film.

The film’s appropriately rated “R” for its heavy cursing. While there’s no nudity, sexual discussions do occur, including a graphic, profane discussion about blue smurfs having sex. There is also some passionate kissing between Donnie and his girlfriend, Gretchen. Someone gets run over by a car and gets shot in the face.

Some mentions of God are made, though nothing is blatantly for or against God. Within its themes, one could make connections to the Bible. Donnie tearfully says that he does not want to be alone. There are so many people like Donnie in the world. Shunned by loved ones or deep in their sins, they feel utterly alone in their despair. Some might find themselves in an endless hole of depression and in search of something to fill the void, something to give them a purpose or rest. Jesus compassionately offers an invitation to all. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus warmly said:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

In the film, a local author is Jim Cunningham (an amazing Patrick Swayze). He creates a new wave of letting fear go and having more love. Women swoon over his charm and good looks, and followers are devoted to his enlightening message. While he has an idol status, Jim is actually a perverse man behind closed doors. Throughout the entire time, Donnie seems to be the only one to see through the author’s lies and façade, even calling, at one time, an antichrist. Cunningham’s teachings are indeed false and against Christ. He teaches that fear is the reason behind drug addictions, premarital sex and even obesity. In his nonsense, people are essentially not guilty for their actions since all their sin is derived from fear and nothing else.

While the fear/love theory is absurd, there are similar ones currently out. While human advice can be good, we must remember what Paul warned in Colossians 2:8,

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of the world, rather than on Christ.”

After my first viewing, I have to admit that I nearly hated “Donnie Darko” for its confusing message. During my second viewing of some scenes, I appreciated its artistry more from picking up a lot of the different subtle hints. However, great film or not, I do not personally recommend it. If you do decide to view it, be forewarned that the movie contains heavy profanity and several instances of sexual dialog.

Violence: Moderate / Profanity: Heavy / Sex/Nudity: Heavy

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.

• Positive
• Negative
• Young people