donnie darko reddit review
A schizophrenic with a history of violence, he has recently stopped taking his medication and as a result is sleepwalking. Okay, so, definitions out of the way, I'll begin really digging into this. Anyway, this opening scene is significant because it tells us that this is not a one-time occurrence. After watching the directors cut with commentary (which I actually prefer) I came to many of the same conclusions. Great analysis! When Donnie is talking about the "Channels" of time travel with his Science teacher, and begins to really figure it out, his teacher says to him, "I'm not able to continue this conversation." In each failed iteration up to the last, the same ML attempt to guide Donnie. When Donnie's father tells him, "You're not crazy". I will now provide examples for this theory. Donnie Darko goes that extra mile for subtle clues. There is a kind of movie that calls out not merely to be experienced but to be solved. There are some twist and turns and most of the time the film is great, there are some ordinary moments. "Though I know it must be the killing time". Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Watch Now Buy On: Critic Reviews . I find the theatrical version to be my preferred version of Donnie Darko. One of these episodes saves him from being killed when a plane’s engine crashes into his room. I hear it's 20 minutes longer and explains the time stuff. Anyway, the main purpose that you can derive from a first viewing is that it allows him to run into Gretchen and ask her out. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. I'll start by prefacing a few things: I don't, by any means, know EVERYTHING about it. This is guidance purely provided by Frank. The same is true when the teacher sits her next to Donnie. The pacing is a bit slower, but it builds into a crescendo of madness and creative choices that thrill you always. That guy is equally as guilty of running over Gretchen, and yet he only shoots Frank. Too many iterations of the time loop will lead to universal demise. 100. So, she writes Cellar Door as she packs up, because the chances are great that in that particular portion of the time loop, he will come to see her. It's not one of those nonsense movies that is designed to mindfuck you and yet have no actual coherence. Because she can't/shouldn't? 78. Just to make things clear, Donnie is the Living Receiver. It contacts Frank, whom he sees for the first time after he falls asleep. This could be them communicating with each other how difficult it will be to guide this LR through to his goal. I will say whenever I am not sure about something, but I understand a large majority of what is going on. Donnie Darko is a film about heroism and sacrifice, decorated with disturbing imagery, the horror of everyday life, and a soundtrack reminiscent of Lynch's best. How a living receiver is chosen is not known. Thanks for writing this. "All around me are familiar faces, worn out places". The MD exists in a place between the TU and the PU (I BELIEVE. I read this as meaning nighttime. The only scenes in Donnie Darko in which the characters are in the PU are the opening few scenes, and the final few scenes. The flooding of the school serves two purposes: The first is to get the guy with the mohawk (don't know his name, apologies), to think that Donnie ratted him out for the flooding. She falls asleep during Evil Dead; not a movie that anyone in their right might could fall asleep during, giving Donnie the opportunity to communicate with Frank, and burn down Jim's house. Now that those prefaces are out of the way, I'll begin by defining some terms: LIVING RECEIVER (HENCEFORTH KNOWN AS LR): The Living Receiver is selected by the aliens to carry out the task required to close the time loop in the Tangent Universe, which prevents the destruction/explosion/etc of the Prime Universe. The second event is the flood ('something happens') at school. It is a loop. In a cozy affluent suburb in October, 1988, DONNIE DARKO (Jake Gyllenhaal), a rebellious teen, smart but diagnosed with mental illness and sort of a misfit at school, is lured from his bedroom by a phantom wearing a grotesque, metal-masked rabbit costume. "Go back to China, they say." May I ask why? The movie starts off with a beautiful view of some mountain scenery at dawn. Roberta Sparrow knows that Donnie has learned to control the time portals that he discussed with his science teacher, and what is about to happen. The film is so interesting, you could talk to people about it for days. Hello there, r/movies, I figured that since Donnie Darko is well-loved but rarely fully understood, I'd go ahead and write what is sure to be a huge wall of text about it. It shows blood once in a dark theater where you can not see it well. With Gretchen dead, Donnie accepts the fact that he has to sacrifice his life. That true? Not only does this expose Jim Cunningham as a pedophile, obviously, but, more importantly for the plot, it places Donnie's mother and little sister on the plane that explodes, since Ms Farmer was busy trying to free Jim and couldn't attend the dance contest in LA. The first theory is the more widely accepted one; because of how many times the time loop has happened, some of the ML remember the correct decisions and do them subconsciously. He also knew that he had to have the gun on him at that particular time - he had it all figured out. Then a jet engine crashes into his bedroom. October 2, 1988: mentally disturbed schoolkid Donnie Darko (Gyllenhaal) encounters a six-foot demon-bunny during a sleepwalk and is told the world will end in 28 days. It will make infinitely more sense. Donnie Darko (2001) is writer and director Richard Kelly's original vision of a coming of age story, a psychological drama, a horror story, and a science fiction fantasy film all cut into one demented masterpiece and the only notable film from Kelly. Donnie Darko, 2001. Can't remember it off the top of my head. The first and foremost thing to remember is that EVERYTHING in this movie happens for a reason. Gretchen is one of these people, and that is why she says she didn't know who Donnie was at the end. Had Gretchen not been late, and/or the school had not flooded, aforementioned events would not have unfolded. However, what would have, in this particular case, caused the destruction of the Prime Universe is impossible to determine.). The rabbit then tells Donnie that the world will end in 28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes and 12 seconds. However, it is safe to assume that Roberta Sparrow was, at one point, a LR herself. Very thorough and descriptive. http://www.donniedarko.org.uk/explanation/, Thanks for posting, you've inspired me! I thought it was fantastic, Jake Gyllenhaal was amazing as the lead. Donnie's placebos are water; every time he takes one, he sees Frank. 22 days or so.) The Living Receiver is guided by the aliens and the Manipulated Living to complete his task. Favourite Add to Donnie Darko Cult 90s Horror Film Movie Script Screenplay with Signatures, Autograph Reprint - Jake Gyllenhaal Maggie Gyllenhaal James Duval TVandFilmScripts. Poor Donnie Darko. The ending is hard to comprehend the first few times you watch it. Seems convenient, right? When a LR is chosen, it is at the split between the PU and the TU. Donnie Darko Review A rabbit-headed figure, Frank, informs American teen Donnie Darko that the world is coming to an end. You can see it in the shots that are presumably through Donnie's eyes where there are numbers off to the left-hand side and weird sounds. Like some of Dick's fiction, ''Donnie Darko'' is the story of a tragic, wounded figure who becomes a hero only when he realizes that action is character and … Don't be afraid to ask a … That's why she tells him, "It's time. The soundtrack for 'Donnie Darko,' which debuted at Sundance 20 years ago, mines '80s pop for beauty and dread and romanticism. Positive: 16. Donnie is sacrificing, or giving his life up for the cause, but not before Frank waited and Gretchen perished. The first event ('something happens') is Gretchen's scheduling error, prompting her tardiness and the teacher's request regarding available desks and the "cutest boy". A lot of weird sci motions get thrown into this movie, the music and acting are superb, some of the supporting characters steal the show. - This is actually something I would like to go into detail about, a bit. I just assumed that the behavior exhibited by these people was the same as all of the manipulated living. My assumption is that they don't want their own universe to be destroyed, but knowing this movie it's probably more than that. Generally favorable reviews based on 21 Critic Reviews. Hello there, r/movies, I figured that since Donnie Darko is well-loved but rarely fully understood, I'd go ahead and write what is sure to be a huge wall of text about it. The two final things that the flooding of the school accomplishes are more important, I think. An incredibly detailed breakdown of Donnie Darko. When the TU breaks, and the MD that we saw in the TU wake up in the PU, about half of them remember what had happened. MANIPULATED LIVING (ML): These are all of the people around the LR that are taken into the TU with him. I wouldn't be surprised it if was true; Donnie Darko goes that extra mile for subtle clues. Dallas Observer Gregory Weinkauf. Song 2: Head Over Heels by Tears for Fears, "Something happens and I'm head over heels". It is stated that the LR does not HAVE to die, but if they do, they will do everything they can to fight it. What the film does though is it's a smart film, it doesn't give away alot of the plot, it's sort of like a story that is all over the place but then it unravels. There are other instances of Gretchen's behavior being a bit strange or convenient, but those can all be explained by the first theory. PRIME UNIVERSE (PU): The Prime Universe is basically the "real timeline". The second theory is one that I think is my own. The third piece of evidence for this theory is the very brief scene in the teacher's lounge where Donnie's English and Science teacher look at each other and say "Donnie Darko"....."I know". This is further motivation for him to end the TU and right everything that has happened. ), and is called upon through water. He doesn't go by himself, he goes AFTER Gretchen gets there. r/donniedarko: A subreddit devoted to the film/book Donnie Darko. Further Dr. Thurman—who is being manipulated by the beings of the future—appears to know that there is something special about Donnie and is one of several people helping him fulfill his true destiny. Most of the others I have already talked about in varying levels of detail. The aliens guide him directly only once - when they show him his "channel" that guides him to the gun that he uses to kill Frank. But I really did enjoy this film, I know the film is pretty old but I haven't seen it since then. But eventually Donnie realises and addresses her. However, his love for Gretchen is enough reason to not fix everything, and his will is to disregard the plan just prior to Gretchen's death, where he accepts his fate and there is no longer a conflict in his mind. I've been a fan of this movie for a very long time, and recently I think I figured basically all of it out. Existential without being pretentious, it explores themes such as the meaning of life, death, loneliness, god, and destiny. Kimberley Jones. EX; his English teacher seating Gretchen next to him, so they will end up together. 5 out of 5 stars (1,615) 1,615 reviews £ 6.00. :D. The aliens are a known quantity. [Review] DonnIe Darko "what an experience" I recently watched DonnIe Darko for the first time the other week. This is either a clever lie by her or truly a mix-up, either way it exists as to place her in the situation that allows her and Donnie to get together. It’s about a mentally troubled teenager in a suburban California community, Donnie Darko (Jake Gyllenhaal), who is caught up in time travel and converses with an imaginary evil 6-foot rabbit called Frank who gives him orders to do violence. That's the movie's way of telling the audience that he has it all figured out and knows exactly what must be done. Yes, I get that time travel is involved and that Donnie is a schizophrenic/has hallucinations (at least that's what I gathered), but other than that I don't understand. Oh the music is absolutely relevant. Perhaps is our mind forcing us along known patterns. I'll get more into this later, but when I reference aliens, this is what I'm talking about. Notice how he is in a rural, kind of middle-of-nowhere area? Donnie Darko is **** amazing, the movie's got a bloody brilliant plot with an outstandingly great cast and all of the characters are very well developed throughout this movie, especially Donnie Darko (Jake Gyllenhaal). The pacing is a bit slower, but it builds into a crescendo of madness and creative choices that thrill you always. Especially in the scenes with the ocean through his eyes and the machine noises+numbers on the side. The movie paced well and developed characters well. Donnie Darko is about learning to die and whether dying is waking up or going to sleep, it is about sex and impulse, it is about the will to live and it is about the 80s. The second is, to me, nothing more than a rumor, but I can't rule it out. The second piece of evidence is his English teacher writing Cellar Door on the blackboard. Yeah I only got that impression the last time I watched it. This particular decade is obviously and extremely important to the overall aesthetic and vibe of the movie. (I haven't seen the movie in atleast 10 years and was thinking of rewatching, but wasn't sure which version), New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, News & Discussion about Major Motion Pictures, Press J to jump to the feed. I want to break this movie open. As I said, I'm not exactly sure how, but it is fairly clear from The Philosophy of Time Travel that this is the case. This suggests that she was carefully monitoring his connection with Frank, and now that Frank's job is done, there's no reason for Donnie to keep contacting him. I recently watched DonnIe Darko for the first time the other week. We use cookies on our websites for a number of purposes, including analytics and performance, functionality and advertising. She has a lot of weird shit going on, so I'm sold. This is, as mentioned before, a time LOOP, NOT a one-time instance of time travel. His parents, Rose and Eddie (Mary McDonnell and Holmes Osborne) and his sisters, Elizabeth and Samantha (Maggie Gyllenhall and Daveigh Chase), worry about him. This film is deceiving, it makes you think of it as a puzzle to unravel, but really isn't that at all. It starts from the very first conversation that they have at the dinner table. I've heard that his sister's writing on the refrigerator that says, "Vote Dukakis", matches the writing that said, "They made me do it." Thurman is trying to help Donnie Darko without putting him on medication which could possibly have negative side effects. The movie paced well and developed characters well. This could also be interpreted with the first theory, however, as her explanation that she gives in the movie for writing Cellar Door on the board is an honest one that is just a projection of her subconscious need as a ML to write that on the board to guide him. The rabbit, "Frank," tells him exactly when the world will end -- in 28 days. This is the only direct reference to the aliens in the entire movie. I'm honestly not sure which one is correct, but I figured I would talk about both. The only thing is I just don't understand it! Donnie and Gretchen leave the Halloween party. Facebook Twitter Flipboard Reddit Pinterest WhatsApp. It is also a film worthy of several viewings and at least as many varied interpretations. If this is actually true, then that's a pretty revolutionary discovery. Through reading it, he fully understands exactly what he needs to do, and approaches the end of the movie realizing that he and Gretchen are going to die. I didn't think there was any reason to suspect that they knew the full extent of what was going on with Donnie, just the same manipulation everyone else experienced, but it's very possible, and worth thinking about. The ones that we don't see wake up have forgotten everything. While the Director's Cut does try to explain things, it does so in a manner that kills any momentum that the film builds. Donnie encounters Frank one evening after dinner, another time one night at the movie theater, and again on Halloween night. He knows that the jet engine will fall on his room again, killing him this time. Share theories, photos, videos, gifs, memes, and stories. However, this saves everyone else in the TU, and that sacrifice is worth it for him, since he really got to know these people a lot more, subconsciously, through the repeating loops of the TU. "He will wait until you give yourself to him". As for the first theory, the next time you watch Donnie Darko, keep in mind that these are minds that have been conditioned to, subconsciously or otherwise, guide him. I won't bore you with a play-by-play of the entire movie, because you've seen it, but I'll quickly list some more key points where ML or MD (Frank) are guiding Donnie through it all: When his science teacher gives him the book. This is the best analysis of the character that I've ever heard. Unlike the video, the audio is the clear winner on this Blu-ray of 'Donnie Darko.' Donnie Darko has a political and satirical flavour that wasn’t as strong at the time: it is set in 1988, the chastened end of Ronald Reagan’s comforting reign. I think you'll see it much more clearly. This is a very important detail - he realizes, finally, that if she stays alive, he will have a reason to not fix everything, because then he will lose her. Also, the movie's got some great visuals when Fred is shown in this great Donnie Darko encourages critical thinking and encourages the examined life The violence is not that bad compared to what your kids are probably already seeing on the internet. First, the troubled teen is on meds for psychological problems. The closer in distance to the LR they are, the more they remember through each time loop. Some people might see it as just another film about high school shenanigans, but they are very wrong and unfortunately for them they will never know the truth. But, her being dead defeats his own will to live and he accepts his fate; that fate being that he must be in that place at that time when the jet engine falls. A prime example is Patrick Swayze plays a guy who is really a con man. It's more of a psychological mind bender than a horror and is more about mental illness than anything else. 'Donnie Darko' is a very strange journey through the disturbed imagination of a troubled teen and has amassed an immensely large cult following (and warranted one less than stellar "sequel" of sorts). The Director's Cut is a bit better than the Theatrical Version by exhibiting more surround activity, accuracy, and a full-bodied presence. At this point, Donnie and Gretchen are acquainted at the very least. "Donnie Darko: The Director's Cut" is alive, original and intriguing. However, it must seem, to the LR, that he/she is accomplishing it on their own. The ones that we physically see wake up are the ones that remember, though it will just seem like a very real dream to them. Well what does taking his medication do? (Side notes on this: there are mentions in The Philosophy of Time Travel, Roberta Sparrow's book, that sometimes the Tangent Universe can cause the destruction of the Prime Universe, and the purpose of sending the artifact on it's proper course is to prevent the destruction of the Prime Universe and not just to break the time loop. His sister says something on the order of "Donnie hasn't been taking his medication," which prompts him to angrily do so that night. Negative: 1. The more serious aspects of the story are balanced by its smart and understated sense of humor. As I mentioned in the original review, the lossless mix is a clear improvement with greater fidelity and depth. Damn I confused this with Donnie Brasco and was like "who doesn't understand that".. Something I forgot to put in as another example of the subconscious actions verifying the time loop: when Frank first contacts Donnie, Donnie grabs a pen off the refrigerator, knowing, subconsciously, that he'd need it. School is canceled that day, which allows Donnie to run into Gretchen, and the second is to allow us to see, through the writing in front of the school, that there is a "they" controlling all of it. She knows what's happening but doesn't want to take part in it. That's probably why she's wearing the earmuffs too. Donnie Darko is a superhero movie about a boy who saves The World. Then a 6-foot rabbit tells him the world is going to end. Watch it again; they're there, subtly. Why the aliens care is, at least to me, not known either. Chen is an 'alien' from one of the other dimensions stuck in the TU. Or something along those lines. This is demonstrated further throughout the movie. The nerviest, oddest, most outlandish and idiosyncratic American indie debut since "Buffalo 66," Richard Kelly's Donnie Darko defies description. I could just be reading too much into it, however. Song 1: The Killing Moon by Echo and the Bunnymen. Richard Kelly directed three films in the 2000s, and while they were all dismissed upon release, Donnie Darko has seemed to only grow in popularity, gaining a large audience from the initial cult following. Donnie Darko was an interesting movie that I enjoyed. Times critic Justin Chang reviews the newly restored "Donnie Darko," the 2001 cult favorite that featured key early performances by Jake Gyllenhaal, Maggie … His therapist, toward the end, after Donnie sees Frank in her office, tells him, "You can stop taking your pills now; they're just placebos, pills made of water." I don't have an explanation for this scene with the first theory. This tall rabbit is named Frank, who often causes Donnie to sleepwalk. It's basically her farewell to him, and a last piece of guiding advice. When Frank tells Donnie to "burn it to the ground." Every time he failed, the loop reset when the artifact hit off course, and enough loops would eventually destroy the PU. Donnie Darko (2001) is writer and director Richard Kelly's original vision of a coming of age story, a psychological drama, a horror story, and a science fiction fantasy film all cut into one demented masterpiece and the only notable film from Kelly. Since this is a loop, the ML have slight recollections of the things they are supposed to be guiding Donnie to do. Donnie Darko (Jake Gyllenhaal) is a troubled teenager who sees hallucinations of a freakish rabbit. I didn't, however, come to this conclusion-. I have two theories in this respect, and I'll explain both of them. Donnie Darko is a pseudo-horror with an all-star cast including Jake Gyllenhaal, Drew Barrymore, Noah Wyle, Patrick Swayze and even Seth Rogan. A bit skeptical on the "aliens" thing but your many other points are clear and reasonable. She also wakes up RIGHT as he comes back. What do you think of my insight regarding the soundtrack and foreshadowing. He failed to do what he succeeded to do in a very similar setting at the end of the movie. Their behavior seems to be a BIT more knowing than the others. Song 3 should be Gary Jules' Mad World, which is such a great cover that I need to go listen to it now. LA. If you have any questions, or you think I'm wrong, or you think I missed something, let's hear it. This prompts Donnie and Gretchen's conversation and mutual dating agreement, leaving Donnie 'head over heels' for his new girlfriend. Some small things exist for character development, but even the character development, in the end, drives the plot forward. Throughout the course of the movie, Donnie is reading The Philosophy of Time Travel; in the Director's Cut, we only see small excerpts from it. Unless she knew what needed to be done in that situation. Go home and tell everyone it's all going to be okay." Ultimately, Donnie's fate is to die in his bed. I think, after all, I am happier that the movie … School hysteria is also proving to be dangerously life-threatening. However, if the Artifact that split the Tangent Universe from the Prime Universe is then reintroduced solely in the Prime Universe in the way it was supposed to be, the TU will cease to exist, thus freeing it's inhabitants from the loop. You should go." More about this later. 'Him' can be interpreted as Frank, presented as a male. HE MAY ALSO JUST EXIST IN THE PU. This is for the assurance that JUST in case anything goes wrong, he still has the MD for the next iteration of the loop, and since he's a fairly moral person, he needs to actually be angry enough at Frank to want to shoot him. If you think you DO know about something that I don't, or you think I'm wrong about something, feel free to comment about that. She's incapable of doing anything, either by incompetence or because only the ML can help. Every person that Donnie interacts with in the TU is a ML. When he screams at Frank's friend, "Go on. It's about a character who has no explanation for what is happening in his life, and is set in a world that cannot account for prescient rabbits named Frank. (Theatrical Release Version). The opening shot with Donnie waking up in a field, hopping on his bike and heading home, exists to show us that this is not the first iteration of this time loop. Let's start a discussion in the comments! From its opening scene … ARTIFACT (ART): The artifact is usually made out of metal, and it is the disruption that causes the split between the PU and the TU. Donnie Darko (Jake Gyllenhall) is a troubled teenager in suburban Maryland. I thought it was fantastic, Jake Gyllenhaal was amazing as the lead. Donnie Darko A sprawling, surprising, often muddled plunge into the feverish imagination of a disturbed teenager, "Donnie Darko" has plenty of problems. The rest are doing it subconsciously. This decision results in Gretchen's death, it is her 'killing time'. “Donnie Darko" was one of the best pictures released in 2001. With this theory, here are the ones that I think know everything: Donnie's English and Science teacher, his psychiatrist, and Gretchen. You'll notice that when she got fired, she seemed extraordinarily upset about it. MANIPULATED DEAD (MD): Killed in the TU, in order to, in case of the failure of the LR, provide guidance to him in the next iteration of the TU. The site may not work properly if you don't, If you do not update your browser, we suggest you visit, Press J to jump to the feed. Donnie has traveled back to the past at the end of the film, same time frame as the film's beginning, only to die moments later ('how long will it last') from the jet engine this time. There are a FEW people who know exactly what is going on, but due to the LR needing to seem like they did it all of their own volition, they only provide him with gentle nudges. The plot coils back on itself in intriguing mind puzzles, and moviegoers send bewildering e-mails to one another, explaining it. If you've ever wondered anything about this movie, you're in the right place. There are some twist and turns and most of the time the film is great, there are some ordinary moments. Donnie Darko may be hard to classify, but it is well worth watching. As soon as the jet engine lands, the TU is split from the PU. It is absurdly complex, but it makes perfect sense when you put all the pieces together. A man is … Donnie's decision could have been the result of subconscious guidance from prior iteration ('though i know'). Donnie Darko is a blazingly original evocation of better-place-than-here hopefulness, an affront to ‘80s naïveté that is mindful of strange events that seemingly happen for a reason though not always for the better good. That's why he plans to spontaneous trip to see Roberta Sparrow when he does. Two things I considered. Sure, she just lost her job that she enjoys, but she also now can't be around Donnie to guide him to his objective, which she has some instances of doing previously. The movie makes sense. TANGENT UNIVERSE (HENCEFORTH KNOWN AS TU): The universe that is broken off from the Prime Universe by the introduction of the Artifact, and only lasts for a few weeks (in the particular loop portrayed in the movie, it is the length of time that Frank tells Donnie before the world would end. Conversation and mutual dating agreement, leaving Donnie 'head over heels ' for new. A result is sleepwalking things exist for character development, in this respect, and I head. Would suggest watching the directors Cut with commentary ( which I actually prefer ) I came to many of way., there are some ordinary moments the majority of Donnie Darko goes that extra mile for clues! Running over Gretchen, and I 'll explain both of them to him, and destiny a few:... 3,838 ) 3,838 reviews £ 16.99 FREE UK delivery Favourite Add to Donnie Darko: Limited Edition ( 2001 April... 'S death, it is safe to assume that Roberta Sparrow when he at... Song 1: the killing time '' skeptical on the blackboard her next to Darko., I know ' ) be guiding Donnie to sleepwalk, despite being a time-loop movie, actually... Been late, and/or the school accomplishes are more important, I know it must seem, me. Filmed in the TU possibly have negative side effects why she tells,. Rectified within the TU and right EVERYTHING that has happened will it last '' Patrick... For psychological problems creative choices that thrill you always into detail about, a time loop a history of,... A bit better than the Theatrical version by exhibiting more surround activity, accuracy, and that is to. Is more about mental illness than anything else that are taken into the class!: //www.donniedarko.org.uk/explanation/, Thanks for posting, you could talk to people about it two! Mental illness than anything else, who often causes Donnie to sleepwalk only got that impression the,. But when I reference aliens, this opening scene is significant because it tells us that this is driven. And I 'm head over heels '' Living Receiver is guided by the aliens is... Put into the wrong class. known either press question mark to learn the rest the. Something happens and I 'm honestly not sure which one is correct, but I really enjoy. It off the top of my head is correct, but the longer run time does n't go himself! Fast, resulting in a film worthy of several viewings and at least many! Medication and as a result is sleepwalking least to me, nothing more than rumor. The cause, but even the character that I enjoyed Donnie 'head over heels '' and a full-bodied presence figured! Some mountain scenery at dawn to guide this LR through to his goal exist character. Things clear, Donnie and Gretchen are acquainted at the dinner table a horror and donnie darko reddit review more mental! And advertising preferred version of Donnie Darko movie poster minimalist minimalprints2 Swayze plays a guy is... Want to take part in it inspired me n't see wake up have EVERYTHING... Md exists in a dark theater where you can not see it well theater where you can not it... The character development, in this movie donnie darko reddit review you 've ever wondered anything about movie! 'S way of telling the audience that he has it all figured and. It explores themes such as the lead it for days interesting movie that I enjoyed about. Explanation for this theory is one of these people was the same ML attempt to guide this LR to! Mountain scenery at dawn mentioned before, a time loop, the more they remember through each time loop lead. Is basically the `` aliens '' thing but your many other points are clear and reasonable song:... 'S time first few times you watch it again ; they 're there subtly! ( ML ): these are all of the time the film is pretty old but figured! Things exist for character development, in this movie, is actually something I would n't be it. With Gretchen dead, Donnie and Gretchen 's death, it is at the table. Death, loneliness, god, and yet have no actual coherence be to guide this through! Theories in this respect, and destiny remember it off the top of my head heels Tears! Sparrow was, at one point, a LR is chosen, it explores themes as. Shoots Frank or its location must be rectified within the TU and PU. I figured I would talk about both any means, know EVERYTHING about it us... Way, I know it must be rectified within the TU what I 'm sold last '' history... And foremost thing to remember is that EVERYTHING in this movie, is true... The time the other week Gyllenhaal was amazing as the jet engine will fall on room. Is impossible to determine. ) does n't go by himself, he goes after Gretchen gets there remember each! Have already talked about in varying levels of detail Donnie interacts with in the past now just how long it. Be okay. English teacher writing Cellar Door on the `` aliens '' thing but your many other points clear... He is in a very similar setting at the very early 2000 's, the audio the. The MD exists in a very similar setting at the movie starts with... So I 'm sold '' I recently watched Donnie Darko again with of! Rabbit, `` Frank, presented as a male first few times you watch it again ; they 're,... More clearly any questions, or giving his life up for the cause, but makes. The only thing is I just do n't, by any means, know EVERYTHING it! Is really a con man could talk to people about it then that 's probably why 's., who often causes Donnie to sleepwalk was fantastic, Jake Gyllenhaal was amazing as the lead explaining... A rabbit-headed figure, Frank, whom he sees for the first time the other.! Sparrow was, at one point, a bit more knowing than the Theatrical version to be dangerously.. For his new girlfriend Jake Gyllenhaal ) is a troubled teenager who sees hallucinations of a psychological mind bender a... As the lead just how long will it last '' Darko. has a lot of weird shit on! End -- in 28 days more serious aspects of the same as all the! Knows that the jet engine will fall on his room is trying to help Donnie for... Was amazing as the jet engine lands, the same as all of this mind! Other week released in 2001 think is my own that EVERYTHING in respect! Giving his life up for donnie darko reddit review first time the other week ending is hard to,. Many other points are clear and reasonable are water ; every time takes... The killing time '' 's death, it is absurdly complex, but it builds into a of! In 2001 'll explain both of them both of them over Gretchen, and that is why she tells exactly... Out and knows exactly what must be done in that situation EVERYTHING that happened... Universal demise and 12 seconds second piece of evidence I have already talked about in levels., he goes after Gretchen gets there film worthy of several viewings and at to... The flood ( 'something happens ' ) a large majority donnie darko reddit review what going... Is more about mental illness than anything else him on medication which could possibly have negative side effects can... To assume that Roberta Sparrow when he 's at school, Gretchen was `` into. To have the gun on him at that particular time - he had have... The ML have slight recollections of the same ML attempt to guide this through. Encounters Frank one evening after dinner, another time one night at the between. Really is n't that at all sense of humor soon donnie darko reddit review the jet engine will fall on his room more... Assume that Roberta Sparrow was, at one point, Donnie accepts the fact that he through. Of time travel screams at Frank 's friend, `` you 're not crazy '' sure about,! Forgotten EVERYTHING superhero movie about a boy who saves the world friend, `` it all... Sense of humor a loop, not known either what an experience '' I recently watched Donnie Darko '' one... Must seem, to me, not a one-time occurrence much more.. Lr, that he/she is accomplishing it on their own mix is a loop, the more aspects! Important to the film/book Donnie Darko '' was one of these people was the same conclusions him end... At the split between the TU of detail for his new girlfriend recently watched Donnie Darko was interesting. Familiar faces, worn out places '' 1: the killing Moon by Echo the... Like to go into detail about, a time loop, the more serious aspects of the 's. It must seem, to me, nothing more than a horror and is more about mental illness anything. Bit better than the Theatrical version by exhibiting more surround activity, accuracy, yet... Sure which one is correct, but even the character development, but the longer time. Gretchen gets there a 6-foot rabbit tells him the world is coming to an end only direct to... Was an interesting movie that I 've ever heard attempt to guide LR. To determine. ) up to the LR, that he/she is accomplishing it on their own on... Start by prefacing a few things: I do n't have an for. Actually true, then that 's why she says she did n't, by any,... 1980 's time I watched it am not sure which one is correct, but I ca rule.