Donnie Darko (2001) review

(9/10)

This intelligent cult classic is beautifully-shot with a creative plot and a great performance by the lead actor. The development of the story really wowed me.

PLOT:Donnie Darko (Jake Gyllenhaal) is a troubled teenager in a dysfunctional family. Before a jet engine falls on his room from out of nowhere, Donnie starts to be plagued by the presence of a being called Frank (James Duval), an apocalyptic-style bunny rabbit. As Donnie deals with Frank, he starts to notice what's going wrong in town and a mysterious link between Frank and what may be time travel. It's a great, unique plot executed brilliantly.



ACTING:The performances in this film were very excellent. Jake Gyllenhaal played a brilliant role as troubled teen, Donnie Darko. His performance is beyond memorable in this film, for I could see his true character unfolding in this film. James Duval also played a really great part as Frank, Donnie's vision. I believe his performance is just as memorable as Gyllenhaal's. There really wasn't a bad performance in this film. The other really brilliant performances in this film would be Jena Malone as Gretchen Ross, Patrick Swayze as Jim Cunningham, and Katharine Ross as Dr. Thurman. They seemed to have the most emotion in terms with dealing with Donnie. The other performances I'd like to mention would be Maggie Gyllenhaal as Elizabeth Darko, Drew Barrymore as Karen Pomeroy, Seth Rogen as Ricky Danforth, Mary McDonnell as Rose Darko, Noah Wyle as Professor Monnitoff, Holmes Osborne as Eddie Darko, Beth Grant as Kitty Farmer, and Patience Cleveland as Roberta Sparrow.

SCORE:The score in this film is excellent and beautiful under the conduction of Michael Andrews. The themes were unique, melancholy, and beautiful, with a very nice cover of Mad World, sung by Gary Jules.

EFFECTS:The effects in this film were very cool and strange all in the same. The effects of the "pathways" coming out of people and the wormholes were really cool.



OTHER CONTENT:This film is very unique and beautifully shot overall. The execution of it all is very well done under solid direction by Richard Kelly. The story told is also so complex and intelligent that it just blows your mind when everything comes together. This is one of those strange films that you either really love or really hate. I found myself loving it by midways through. The only thing I found wrong with this film is that it may actually be too smart for certain audiences, or that it's not everyone's cup of tea. I loved it, but I don't think it would be widely accepted by the general public.

OVERALL,an awesome cult classic with a unique plot, excellent performances especially by Gyllenhaal, beautiful score, cool and strange effect, beautifully shot scenes, solid direction, and a complex story, but I actually think the film's too smart and out of reach of most audiences' intellect.