Dark? Oh, yeah. A masterpiece? Absolutely!

Rating: 10/10 (28 May 2002)

"Donnie Darko" was probably a casualty of 9-11-too dark for the time. It is as original and startling a film as you are likely to see in this age of corporate homogenation. Not since "Miracle Mile" (1989) have I been so entranced to the point of obsession by one movie. The story line on its own would be enough, but the brilliance of the casting takes it to another level. I'd like to think that Noah Wyle took his role because he believed in the film, using his "ER" paycheck to see him through. I know nothing at all about writer-director Richard Kelly, but even if he never gets another shot at glory, he'll have been responsible for a work of exceptional brilliance in both concept and execution. My thanks to him and all involved.