donnie crap-o

Rating: 1/10 (22 December 2004)

This film is ridiculous: a mishmash of nothing that makes no sense. But alas, that is what its fans consider to be its genius. The less sense the better. Gyllenhal does a nice job with what he is given, but unfortunately it ain't much.
Is it an 80s movie? Is it set in the 80s? Does it matter? Does anyone care? If so, why? I watched this with low expectations, and they were not met. The only way this film can be appreciated is if you enjoy the sight of pretentious film-making. And yes, this is "FILMmaking" -- not movie making.
It's such a great premise, and yet it is wasted in the hands of a writer who does not know what good writing is and a director who could not direct a paper bag.