DAMN good!

Rating: 10/10 (4 December 2002)

I've read through the comments for this film and feel that a lot of people don't understand that perhaps not every (supposedly) good, thought-provoking, intelligent film is going to appeal to them. I myself felt cheated slightly (and confused greatly) by the ending the first time I saw this film but on a second viewing I believe that I, like others, had missed the point. The ending is deliberately ambiguous and confusing because the director wants you to think about the film as a whole and ponder on what might have happened.
Anyway, enough mock-intelligent waffle. I loved this film and thought Jake Gyllenhaal's performance was fantastic. Despite being moderately sane, I was able to relate to a Donnie portrayed as a misunderstood, depressed teenager (can't we all!) and thought the family interplay was excellent. The arguments with his sister (interestingly enough played by his real-life big sis in case you hadn't already noticed) were believable but in other scenes it is clear that they really do care and are perhaps quite close. Donnie's mother is an amusing character, especially when paired with the stereotypically repressed Christian, Kitty Farmer, whose intensely conservative (and often incredibly naive) views lead to some hilarious play between her and the other adults.
Drew Barrymore and Noah Wyle also give good performances in surprisingly small roles as two teachers who try to give a little more to their pupils than the designated curriculum. Barrymore's character has an interesting way of finding the new girl a seat...
I would give this movie ***** but can see how many people would be put off. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a film which requires your full attention throughout, e.g. Memento, Twelve Monkeys, Apocalypse Now [Please note, I make no comparisons between Donnie Darko and any of these films]. However, those who prefer less complicated and psychological films probably wouldn't enjoy this. "C'est la vie", as the Germans say...