Donnie Darko is an incredibly compelling film to behold, simultaneously because of the plethora of intriguing questions that it raises post-viewing (while viewing, as well) and because of its consistently unique/surreal aesthetic that speaks to the viewer's senses. At its core, this film involves the time-bending alternate-reality-heavy adventures and occurrences centered around the enduringly likable teenage boy by the name of Donnie Darko. To be honest, that's quite close to as specific as I can be in regards to the plot without skipping-off into a sort of novel, or even more unforgivably, taking a bit of the mystery out of the film.
On a philosophical level, this film is an absolute gem; it raises the best sorts of existence-questions (those that have no objective answer). Are we as humans truly alone? At which level is empathy possible, if at all? If there is a God, how does the reality or illusion of free-will mesh with him? Two aspects of a philosophical nature are especially refreshing with this film. First, many of these questions are raised by Donnie himself. This is compelling, because nearly holistically, Donnie Darko avoids denying teenagers any validity or intelligence, as so many films do. It's nice to see an artistic work that recognizes the philosophical potential in people of this age, and the way in which those that are older shouldn't necessarily cease to propose these questions to themselves and others. The film manages to attempt to make sense of our confusing situation without acting as if it already has made sense of it; Second, Donnie Darko is a very open-minded film, that ventures into territory that may not even be trendy (the acknowledgement of the possibility of God is quite interesting in the realm of modern cinema).
Probably equally as important is the aesthetic of the film. It oozes a sort of hazy, surreal, 80's-ness, that places the viewer under a sort of existential sensory trance. Events waft-about with an odd sort of pseudo-tranquility, as the stellar soundtrack fills the viewer's ears (Joy Division, Echo and the Bunnymen, Tears for Fears, and what-not). My only complaint, is the rare occurrence of slightly off-hand cheap-looking special-effects that I don't necessarily find aesthetically pleasing. I do admit that there is a sort of endearing quality to these minute elements, but I do find them slightly off-putting.
But, truly, one of my all-time favorites; a very special film. The website is also very intriguing (follow the link below).
C.W.
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