anyone working in mental health knows

Rating: 9/10 (22 March 2005)

On a whim I bought the director's cut on DVD last night. It took me a night to "sleep on it" before I fully understood the film. It was (so far) the most beautiful movie experience I have encountered. The two other people I shared this movie with did not agree so much. I don't think they were able to grasp the ideas encapsulated.
Donnie Darko is the heart rending story of a young man possibly suffering from some form of mental illness. In a freak accident a jet turbine crashes through the ceiling of his house plowing right down into his bedroom. We witness his family dealing with their son/brother as he descends farther into depression and/or schizophrenia.
The frightening imagery, superb acting, and twisting plot line combine to tell the story that seemingly takes place in the spaces between consciousness and unconsciousness, in those remarkable distinct moments between the one thing no one can escape, those moments/seconds between dying and death.
Did Donnie Darko die? Or was he being born?
If you work in or have any experience dealing with mental illness, this movie will touch your heart. Don't judge. Just feel.