The first great film of the 21st Century

Rating: 10/10 (28 June 2002)

I have already commented once on this film, but having seen it a second time I find myself connecting with it on a much deeper level. In the latest New Yorker there is a capsule review of a thirties French film by the late Pauline Kael, which she desribes as "poetic fatalism". That is "Donnie Darko" on the nose. It has been edifying to peruse the other comments-you'll note a decidedly polarized response. Those in favor love it, while those not in favor despise it. It is significant that no one seems unmoved in some way-this isn't a film you can shrug off. The people who seem to hate it tell you as much about the film as those of us who love it-they are feeling a strong emotional pull, but one they're not comfortable getting from a movie, so they resist and resent. But they can't ignore or forget. This is one of the great debut films, ranking with Beneix's "Diva", and Laughton's "Night of the Hunter". Beautiful, mysterious, haunting, thought-provoking...no wonder it tanked. Michael Bay and his ilk are a mere pimple on Richard Kelly's ass.