Is Donnie Darko a remake of Carnival of Souls?

Rating: Null/10 (15 July 2003)

Donnie Darko was recommended to me by a friend who said I'd love it. The film had me on the edge of my seat throughout it's length, because it was taking me on a mysterious journey which I could not predict. I love films like this!!
After the film's climax, I thought to myself: Hmm, this reminds me of a lot of Carnival of Souls' (1962). In fact, the more I think about Donnie Darko, the more I feel like the film was a remake of or at least heavily inspired by the 1962 chiller (anyone out there agree/disagree?).
Overall, a brilliant feature debut by such a young dude. There were a few scenes however which I found a bit hard to decipher and afterwards I'm still a little confused by them. I think this added some needless complexity and shows that in some instances the film tries to be a bit too clever for itself.
As for the rabbit: Beautifully, beautifully chilling. It's been nearly a week since I viewed DD, and I still cannot get that rabbit out of my head. Sometimes when I wake up in the middle of the night, requiring a visit to the bathroom, I just cannot make myself get out of my bed and journey through my darkened house lest the rabbit jump out to get me!!

SPOILER  JUST ONE, PROMISE
I loved the way the rabbit became more and more defined during each scene he appeared. That was masterful!
My personal score of DD is 8/10