The Surreal Caught On Film

Rating: 9/10 (12 November 2009)

I had heard about this film for years before I finally saw it on DVD. What a treat. Only David Lynch, Nic Roeg, Ken Russell and a handful of other film directors are able to create the myriad of brain wave types in pairs, triplets or in unison: theta, alpha, beta and gamma and maybe even delta. It takes deep subject matter, good acting, and the proper creation of atmosphere to take an observer's mind to that other place. Donny Darko does this many times throughout the film to great effect.
The story creates a sense of inevitable doom, but with a core of hope. Never a big fan of Jake Gyllenhaal, he is perfectly cast as the lead in this film. All of the subplots weave together perfectly and the cast is terrific with excellent performances by everyone. Menace and mystery come from the strangest places in this film and the mundane becomes farcical and yet dangerous.
The visual effects are excellent for the sky shots and the "water tube" effect works pretty well also.
The first time you watch the film it has its greatest impact because you are intrigued with the possibilities of where this odd story could possibly go. Upon repeat viewing the film loses a little of its magic because the closed-time-loop-cannot-upset-fate resolution to the story reminds you of the possibilities ignored.
What if the bunny had been something more sinister or ethereal rather than someone so conventional? But I quibble, all in all an excellent film