fun, strange, dark and beautiful. perfect.

Rating: 10/10 (27 February 2002)

I wish there were some comment that I could write here that would really do this film justice, but that simply isn't possible. It's rare that I see a film in the theater that makes me go through the range of emotions that I did with this film. But more than anything my predominant feeling about the film is jealousy: Richard Kelly has made the film that I would have made if I were a genius of his calibre. Why aren't there more movies like this being made today instead of the typical hollywood drivel that gets rave reviews? Donnie Darko is fun, strange, dark, and beautiful. A geek's sci-fi comedy romantic masterpiece. IOW, perfect.
The film operates on many different levels but when you peel back the science fiction and dark comedic exterior you find a story about life, loneliness, and what's really beautiful in the world. At it's center it conveys a message similiar to the one hashed over so many times in movies like American Beauty, but with so much more style and essense. Perhaps it affects me especially because I was a child of the 80s... Or perhaps it's just a beautiful film that most people will probably never have the chance to see. It's a travesty that this movie hasn't had a wider release. But it certainly touched me, and is easily one of my favorite movies of all time. Thanks guys.
Btw, the soundtrack rocked my lame ass. Joy Division, Tears for Fears, Duran Duran.. great stuff :-). And an incredible remake of Tears for Fears 'Mad World', which seems to in an odd way be the basis for the whole film...
"And I find it kind of funny // I find it kind of sad // The dreams in which I'm dying // Are the best I've ever had"