A Movie that Fulfills the Meaning of Genius

Rating: Null/10 (25 April 2004)

This movie is an experience. It carries a great mood throughout that I've never really felt before, and it's hard to explain. Much of the movie plays out in high school, with teachers and parents, and I really felt I was back in school, where everything doesn't quite make sense. The visual imagery is incredible. Scenes with Donnie Darko having his psychotic breaks featuring a rabbit are mesmerizing, and my mind felt haunted after the movie ended. Truly bizarre scenes. The movie plays with your sense of sanity, but subtly and without the standard cliches.
And guess what? Not a villian or evil person in the whole thing. Just real people with their own beliefs. Okay, there are a few bullies, but they seem realistic, as though perhaps they are trying hard to cultivate a tough image.
Jake Gyllenhaal is great as an innocent, intellectual (the principal says his test scores are "intimidating"), and disturbed teenager. You never know if he is doing good, or about to murder someone. Maggie Gyllenhaal is great as his fun loving, caring sister. The scenes between the constantly fighting siblings are so truthful, and you can tell they actually have an innocent sibling affection for each other though they hide behind the fighting. Patrick Swayze is great as a motivational speaker, especially when confronted by Donnie Darko in an auditorium of students. The father, played to perfection by Holmes Osbourne, is amazing. You will swear you have met him somewhere before. Jena Malone plays Donnies new girlfriend, and you will very likely fall in love with her as much as Donnie does. The rest of the cast including Mary McDonnel, Noah Whyllie and Drew Barrymore are well played, though not exceptional.
This movie actually deserves to use music by Joy Division. Not many movies do.