Haunting but satisfying experience

Rating: 8/10 (7 October 2007)

Donnie Darko has an unconventional plot that is intriguing but absurd. It follows the experiences of Donnie, a boy that survives a jet engine landing on his room by listening to an eerie voice that persuades him to leave the house. A man dressed in a bunny suit then becomes a normal sight in his life. The movie brings together many apparently unrelated events that cumulate in an effective conclusion.
The music that is played between significant events fits very perfectly, both thematically and stylistically. The lyrics help watchers penetrate into the mind of Donnie. The character of Frank is visually impressive, leaving a haunting impression after every scene with him. Jake Gyllenhaal does a great job as Donnie, but the other acting was nothing special.
The plot is creative but not without problems. The physics behind the time travel is a stretch, although I admit that is not the main focus of the film. Some of the individual segments are flawed and need additional explanation, but fortunately it all comes together nicely towards the end. The conclusion is wide open but at the same time gives complete satisfaction.
Donnie Darko is one of those films that will stay in your head for a long time. The ideas very creative and carry several philosophical messages (many of which are directly mentioned during some of the scenes). The plot, despite some faults, is so far out of mainstream material that it is hard not to enjoy. The bunny suit will remain an image connected to the content of Donnie Darko forever.