Ingeniously Imaginative Psychodrama

Rating: 8/10 (20 July 2012)

An ingeniously imaginative psychodrama, mixing science fiction, teen love story, satire and many other themes. Truly ambitious for a débutant Director, but as someone said 'ambition and imagination trump mediocrity any day of the week'.
Many may find it confusing, bizarre or illogical. And even after watching, viewers might come to different conclusions. But there is only one intending story and concept. It's one of the very few movies which required a double viewing and the director's explanation to completely grasp the concept and really enjoy it. The correct order of viewing, understanding and enjoying it would be: 1> see it once, 2> read the explanation on 'http://www.donniedarko.org.uk/explanation/', 3> watch it again. It's completely worth it! The concept is brilliant! Once you understand the whole intended story, it sweeps you off your feet leaving you almost speechless. You'll be in awe how every single thing in the movie falls into place.
Jake Gyllenhaal truly stands out in the amazingly rich cast including Maggie Gyllenhaal, Mary McDonnell, Katherine Ross, Drew Barrymore, Patrick Swayze, Jena Malone, Noah Wyle.
The soundtrack is amazing too - goes quite well with the twisted dark fantasy. It starts off with 'The Killing Moon' by Echo and the Bunnymen (the director's Cut uses 'Never Tear Us Apart' covered by INXS). Both are quite good, but I personally liked the Director's Cut soundtrack. The movie ends with the amazing cover of 'Mad World' by Gary Jules.
This movie is not for everyone, definitely not for people who watch movies just for the sake of entertainment. Recommended to those who love intelligent & puzzling movies with brilliantly new concepts.