A near perfect masterpiece from newcomer writer/director Richard Kelly

Rating: 9/10 (27 July 2004)

In 2001, 'Donnie Darko' was released in limited release. I watched the trailer several times but never got to see 'Donnie Darko' in the theaters. But on March 19, 2002, 'Donnie Darko' was released on DVD; I immediately ran out and bought a copy of the film. From that day on I have been hooked on the film. I must have seen the film at least 20 times since then and I was very happy to be able to see the Director's Cut on the big screen.
'Donnie Darko' is a very hard movie to explain mainly because everyone thoughts on the film are different. Heck my theories about the film change from time to time after repeated viewings. But the basic premise is this: Donnie Darko is a troubled high school student. He is seeing a shrink because he sees an imaginary 6-foot tall evil looking rabbit named Frank. Frank tells Donnie that the world is going to end unless he stops it. The movie then follows Donnie through paths of destruction and violent behavior, during this time Donnie himself is trying to figure out what is going on and if Frank is real or just messing around with his head. A lot of thought provoking content, an interesting and unique story, and a what the hell ending ensue
'Donnie Darko: The Director's Cut' is 20 minutes longer than the original cut released to theaters in 2001. What I liked about the directors cut was the fact that it added footage that helped the audience try to understand the film better. The added 20 minutes surprisingly does not contain an alternate beginning or ending. It's just footage that will help the audience understand the film better and the main part of that which helped the most in my opinion was to show chapters of the Philosophy of Time Travel book that Donnie reads in the film. If you have seen the film because and really enjoyed it, I suggest that you check out the director's cut. If you haven't seen the film, I advise you watch the directors cut before you watch the DVD version.
The cast of 'Donnie Darko' is great. Jake Gyllenhaal plays the Donnie Darko character perfectly and this is a great Jake Gyllenhaal role not like his newer mainstream roles in crap like 'The Day After Tomorrow' & 'Lovely and Amazing'. I liked the Donnie Darko character because he was weird, lonely, and interesting. I think Jake did a great job of playing a psycho teenager. Jena Malone plays Donnie's love interest Gretchen. Jena Malone like usual is wonderful in the role. She plays the lonely new girl perfectly. Her character was a very sad and had a very disturbing background story. As for the smaller roles, Patrick Swayze stars as the motivational speaker Jim Cunningham. He as well plays the 'Fear' guru perfectly. Not to forget Jake Gyllenhaal's sister Maggie Gyllenhaal also stars as Donnie's hip sister. The film also stars Drew Barrymore, Holmes Osbourne, Mary McDonnell, and Beth Grant all of which whom are near perfect in the roles they played. Casting was really perfect for this film. Although at the time this was released most of the cast seemed unknown.
Richard Kelly was the director and writer of the film. Again Richard Kelly is one of the many first time writer/director who has made a terrific film on his first try. Richard Kelly knows how to write a thought-provoking movie. The script was fresh and original. The script also contained drama, comedy, and horror. I liked how Mr. Kelly created a film which was interesting and unique story. I like the fact that you as many times as you see the film you have a different opinion on it and is a good movie to chat about with friends. I also liked that Donnie Darko was a touching movie because you really felt the emotions of its characters. Richard Kelly caught the emotions of these characters and the pain and suffering of them as well. I also like how the movie featured a love story, which was never over the top and sappy. I really liked what Richard Kelly did with script and his direction of the film. I particularly like how Richard Kelly chose to shoot the film in a late 80s settings. I think it really helped out for the tone of the film.
'Donnie Darko' is a near perfect masterpiece, which is always just as good each time I view the film. I however feel that the director's cut is a bit better than the original release for the reasons I previously stated. I highly recommend 'Donnie Darko' to all people who like to think when they are watching a movie. I recommend it to people who like originality when watching a movie. I highly recommend this movie mainly because it features a terrific cast, a funny, dramatic, thought-provoking story, and great ending. Donnie Darko is one of my favorite films of all time. I give this film a high 9/10 rating.