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Donnie Darko
Interesting, worth watching, but ultimately not that great
2001
Director: Richard Kelly
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal
Yes, but it’ll probably lead you to believe that the movie is better than it is.
THE SETUP:
Teenager starts being shadowed by a guy in a bunny suit who predicts the end of the world. Much portentiousness ensues.
DISCUSSION:
I have so many friends who are utterly OBSESSED with this movie, I decided finally to watch it. And, while I think it is definitely worth seeing, and it didn't lose my interest until near the end, I think ultimately it's just a bunch of hooey. I think people who love it are saying "Woah, it's so DEEP," without understanding what is happening in it. I'm also not sure that what's happening in it makes a great deal of sense. Luckily Jake Gyllenthahtehalaal is so adorable no one will mind.
None of the performances were that great. Drew Barrymore seemed to be in "I'm a serious teacher--really!" mode the entire time. I think Jake overdid his smirking and evil grin a bit. The whole thing has an air of indie self importance, and I'm just not convinced it's nearly as important as it thinks it is. It could also be 20 minutes shorter. I can’t believe the director’s cut put footage BACK, as this thing is way overstuffed as it is.
Nevertheless, it won't leave you feeling THAT cheated [and many, many people LOVE it], and I say again it's worth seeing. I would describe it as Igby Goes Down meets The Mothman Prophecies. In fact, the similarities between the mythology here and the hallucinations (and their purpose) in Mothman Prophecies would be an interesting topic. "Donnie Darko Meets the Mothman!" Coming soon...
SHOULD YOU WATCH IT?
Why not.
RELATED MOVIES:
THE MOTHMAN PROPHECIES is basically the same thing minus the teen angst and with more of an X-Files tone.
THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT has the same teen angst effect, a similar deeply insipid premise, and the same “woah dude, what if that totally, like, happened?” tone.
