A Film That Sends Viewers Into a Psychological Whirlwind

Rating: 6/10 (24 October 2018)

Richard Kelly's 2001 film, Donnie Darko, is psychologically mindboggling as it explores both the complexities of the human psyche, and how interfering with time causes a ripple effect, disturbing the outcome of future. And as observed in the film, this can be highly catastrophic. As the narrative unravels, we notice a stark juxtaposition between characters and setting. The story takes place in a small, suburban town that, on the outside, appears to be perfect and "cookie-cutter" with numerous large houses with white picket fences. However, as we follow the storylines of characters, the audience realizes that the townspeople do not uphold this orderly façade, no matter how hard some of them try. I found this interesting because Donnie strongly opposed to maintaining this faux persona. Instead, he dismantles it. From taking down pedophiles, to refuting the "love not fear" way of thinking shoved onto young people, Darko is an anti-hero of sorts. Thus, his final scene in the film can be viewed as the ultimate sacrifice; taking one life in order the preserve the lives of others.
Cinematographically, the film's execution of providing an entryway into Darko's mind, is amazing. One moment in particular that resonated with me is when Darko is in the bathroom he is trapped behind this clear, gel-like barrier that separates him and Frank. As this scene dissolves into the next, there is a graphic match in which the images of Frank and Darko lay on top of one another. Thus, metaphorically indicating that Darko and Frank are the same person, even though Darko refers to Frank as this separate entity that commands him to commit horrible acts.
After watching Donnie Darko-and even while writing this review-I am still working to make sense of this film. And while it is slightly frustrating that the film does not answer all of our questions, I do not feel that is it meant to. I believe Donnie Darko is a film that purposefully places us in the position of Donnie, and forces us to endure the muddled state of mind that he experiences in the film.