The 2001 movie “Donnie Darko” isn’t your standard horror film, but the science fiction oriented supernatural cult classic is certainly a good change of pace for your October collection. In a mold similar to “Jacob’s Ladder,” Darko teases you with small bits and pieces of terror as it brings you along on a suspense filled journey into the unknown.
Written and directed by Richard Kelly – a relative unknown who was shockingly just 26 years old at the time – “Donnie Darko” effectively balances suspense with an intriguing plot and some great acting by a young, and at the time pretty unknown cast. With such an intricate plot, one would expect great things to come from Kelly thereafter his debut, but sadly he was responsible for little else in the aftermath save for the 2009 flop “The Box.”
Set in October, 1988, the film is centered on high school student Donnie Darko (Jake Gyllenhaal) and his slightly dysfunctional family, which includes sister Elizabeth (played by Gyllenhaal’s real life sister Maggie).
While suffering from a sleepwalking episode, Donnie is visited by an eerie figure in a rabbit costume who advises him that the world will end in 28 days. Frank the rabbit looks like a horrifying version of the Easter Bunny, and speaks in an unearthly raspy voice. Simply put, Frank is scary.
As Frank continues to visit Donnie, the clock ticks by to the potential end of days. Donnie goes on a psychedelic spree guided at uncovering the mystery.
The first half of “Donnie Darko” moves painfully slow, but is clearly setting up the foundation for the conclusion. With a host of secondary characters, one gets the impression that each is hiding a secret or two of their own that will slowly be revealed. From righteous and free thinking English teacher Karen (Drew Barrymore) to overly smarmy motivation speaker Jim Cunningham (Patrick Swayze). The wrinkle of the story is added when Donnie converses with the school science teacher (Noah Wyle) and the tactic of time travel is introduced.
From an acting standpoint, the film is owned by Jake Gyllenhaal. Playing the role of Donnie, Gyllenhaal embodies all things creepy as he brings the unusual and obviously disturbed character to life. While not a standard horror movie, Gyllenhaal makes Donnie Darko into a truly metaphysical character.
Playing off Donnie is adorable new student Gretchen (Jena Malone) who quickly forms a bond with him, and becomes a love interest and sidekick presence. “What kind of name is that,” she asks when first introduced. “It’s like some superhero or something.” “What makes you think I’m not” Donnie coyly replies.
While containing an intriguing and mysterious plot, “Donnie Darko” moves through the beginnings like an eel out of water. As we muddle through the confusion of Donnie’s narcoleptic episodes and the freak show that is Frank the rabbit, the introduction of the time travel element doesn’t help in alleviating any misguided focus the viewer may have.
Scenes are displayed in a trippy way that resembles a high one might sustain whilst huffing paint fumes. Some may find the inclusion of such effects to add to the dimension of spookiness. Others may see it as just a distraction.
What saves the movie from outright failure is the second half. As the ambiguous plot is slowly divulged, the thrilling ending becomes clear. And the acting of Jake Gyllenhaal keeps even the slow beginning from dulling out.
“Donnie Darko” isn’t worth the cult status its achieved since its release, but for a change up from the saturated market of slasher films, its worth checking out.
by – Matt Christopher
