Mary's Review
Before Jake Gyllenhaal became a Hollywood heart throb, he starred in this dark, psychological, sci-fi drama. Although this independent film was released back in 2001, it has only recently become more generally recognized. Back in 2001, I was fortunate enough to come across Donnie Darko and have enjoyed introducing this movie to others over the past seven years since it is one of my favorites. Along with Jake Gyllenhaal is a surprising cast including Drew Barrymore, Patrick Swayze, and Jake’s real-life and on-screen sister, Maggie Gyllenhaal. You will see Patrick Swayze as you have never seen him before, and Drew Barrymore’s character is quite a departure from her typical acting roles.
I believe you will be surprised at Jake’s warped portrayal of Darko, a teen who encounters several bizarre and life altering events. Family conflict, teen violence, romance, secrecy, psychological illness, tragedy, an evil imaginary friend, time travel, and an undercurrent of metaphysics make this film a unique and exciting mind-bending adventure. I highly recommend that you watch Donnie Darko and add it to your video library. This film should be available at any video rental or video retailer.
If you have a comment about the film, or a critique of your own, please post your comments (without spoiling the ending please) and I may feature your contribution! Our peer review(s) of Donnie Darko are listed below along with general facts about the film and a link to watch the original trailer.
"This is my favorite movie. It has been for a really long time. The best thing about it is that you can interpret it a few different ways. What you might get out of it may be something completely different from what someone else might get out of it." -Nick, reader comment
"Good insight into various tormented people" -Alicia, age 25
"This is one of my favorite movies...and each time I watch it, the more I get out of it! I really like how you include information from imdb...I feel that I am on that site ALL the time. It's the Bible of movies, it seems. Good job with your blog...it's informative, interesting, and organized. Well done :)" -by Jenevieve (reader comment)
- Watch "Donnie Darko" Trailer on UTube (Spoiler Alert: Trailer does not do this movie justice; watch at your own risk.)
- You may have heard the haunting song "Mad World" sung by Gary Jules which debuted as the movie's theme. Click "play" at the right of the page.
- "Life is one long insane trip. Some people just have better directions." -Donnie Darko tagline
- Written and directed by Richard Kelly.
- Rated: R
- Sixteen wins/nominations from various film festivals including an Independent Spirit nomination!
Starring:
Hello, I am really into foreign films--in French and Spanish. Let me know of any good picks.
ReplyDeleteDionne Blasingame
I saw this movie a month or so ago on the IFC channel, and it distracted me from everything I was supposed to be doing that day. It certainly was disturbing but also intellectually challenging. I especially enjoyed watching the full lineup of actors and actresses in roles we aren't used to seeing them in. I want to watch it again with my husband, but have to catch him in the right mood, he likes his movies way more pop and predictable.
ReplyDeletethis is my favorite movie.
ReplyDeleteit has been. for a really long time.
the best thing about it is that you can interpret it a few different ways. what you might get out of it may be something completely different from what someone else might get out of it. the director's cut of it is a bit disappointing.
mainly, because i think it gives away too much. in fact, it gives way too much away. it opens up too many metaphors that the viewer should make on their own accord.
if you haven't watched it, you should think about giving it a view and comparing and contrasting the two versions for a blog.
until next time
-nick
Dionne,
ReplyDeleteI also like foreign films, but usually in the form of Japanese Horrors.
However, I have 2 reccomendations for you: 'Pan's Laberynth' (Spanish) which was actually huge in the US so you may have seen it. I loved it. It is kind of like Harry Potter meets Anne Frank if you can wrap your head around that. :-)
I also reccommend 'The Science of Sleep' (French) which is pretty out there as well. It is a quirky romance based in reality, but the main character frequently takes you with him on his fun, out there imaginary fantasy world. Indie style.
Let me know if you have seen either of these and what you thought of them. Maybe I'll do a review on them on my blog.
Thanks for commenting,
-Mary
Nick,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. If you didn't notice, I posted your comment on the main page.
It is always nice to meet others who jumped on the Darko wagon way back when. The movie gained real popularity after Jake became a Hollywood heart throb.
Thanks for your comment!
-Mary
Karyn,
ReplyDeleteIn case you didn't notice, I posted your comment on the main page under "reviews."
I'm so glad you liked the film. IFC is a great place to watch non-traditional American films, and I'm glad you happened upon this one.
Thanks for your comment! Please come again,
Mary
This is one of my favorite movies...and each time I watch it, the more I get out of it! I really like how you include information from imdb...I feel that I am on that site ALL the time. It's the Bible of movies, it seems. Good job with your blog...it's informative, interesting, and organized. Well done :)
ReplyDeleteJenevieve,
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate your feedback! I spend a lot of time on each post, doing my research, finding a good deal of quality information to include in each blog, and I am so pleased that you like it.
Yes, IMBD.com has so much great information. That is where I usually begin all of my research :-)
I hope you come back again to visit!
Thanks again!
-Mary
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