You sound like some kind of super-hero

Rating: Null/10 (17 December 2003)

Richard Kelly's debut is cinematically stunning, fresh and full of complexities. The plot is twisted round a discussion on God, family, teenagers and sex, and leaves the viewer considering exactly what Kelly is trying to say. This is definitely a film which requires repeat viewings, and may still be throwing up questions concerning plot and intention on the nth viewing. However, that is not to suggest this film is not worth taking the time over.
The film covers a variety of genres and is an excellent pastiche of them all. Firstly, it is clearly a teen drama, with the stereotypical characters this type of film demands (the geeky hero, the bully, the picked on victim etc). However, this is done with such flair that the viewer, whilst acknowledging the representations on-screen, still manages to identify with - or loathe - individuals.
Secondly it is a sci-fi exploration of the concept of time-travel. Time is an essential part of the film, constantly referred to in a countdown to the end of the world. But time is also played with, Kelly speeding up or slowing down certain scenes to reflect how Donnie is feeling. I think these slips in time help reflect this sci-fi genre, but also imply the constant state of confusion of Donnie with his schizophrenia, and indeed of all teenagers.
The nostalgic Eighties feel (with a score of classic 80s bands)helps to make the film a more serious discussion of time travel and the place of God by removing any futuristic elements and setting it in a very obvious time period, with constant references to culture (the Smurfs, Back to the Future). In this way, I feel that the audience can consider the topic in a more grounded way; that is, it could happen to us at any time.
Of course there are the usual problems of any film or novel which deals with time travel - the plane engine only falls because of events which will occur in the future, and these events only occur because the plane engine falls, but if the engine kills Donnie, how can it ever fall again, then he won't die, and all the events will occur again, and ultimately Gretchen will die... it makes your head hurt to think about it, so as with most time travel texts let's not bother!
Overall, this is a clever, inspired film which although not without plot holes, will make any viewer think. It is worth noting, though, that constraints on money and time meant that certain scenes have been cut, including Frank explaining something very important about himself... but rather than spoil it you can rent the DVD!