Donnie Darko
A weird movie that'll get a weird review.
Studio Exec: So what's your idea?
Pitchman: Well, its Heathers meets The Shining.
Studio Exec: That sounds like an odd combo.
Pitchman: See, this kid talks to this creepy thing called Frank and kinda, sorta gets advice and/or orders from him like in The Shining. Plus, the kid's in high school, so there's all that teen angst like in Heathers.
Studio Exec: Who is this going to appeal to?
Pitchman: Well, we'll market it as a borderline horror and with our teen stars we'll get the teen market. We've got the good looking guys to attract women, and the horro aspet to attract men. We'll hook adults by claiming its a "thinking" movie and by hiring actors, not just pretty faces.
Studio Exec: How's the script?
Pitchman: Well, its artsy enough to confuse people into thinking it must be good. It does have some holes and pointless characters, but we can work with 'em.
Studio Exec: Who do want for cameos?
Pitchman: We were thinking of Drew Barrymore, Noah Wyle, Patrick Swayze, and that mom from Home Alone to play the mom here. Just for that touch of irony.
Studio Exec: Green light it.
This movie is worth seeing for the good acting, intriguing plot, Frank (VERY cheaply done, but VERY well designed and done just right), and honestly, just to see it.
Donnie Darko won't blow your socks off, but maybe it will. Its one to watch and then discuss. Brains are required.
6 out of 10.
Its an excellently made film, but I have a hard time rating it higher since the ending is questionable. Its just, well, it leaves more questions than it answers, and I'm not convinced it was done intentionally.
Studio Exec: So what's your idea?
Pitchman: Well, its Heathers meets The Shining.
Studio Exec: That sounds like an odd combo.
Pitchman: See, this kid talks to this creepy thing called Frank and kinda, sorta gets advice and/or orders from him like in The Shining. Plus, the kid's in high school, so there's all that teen angst like in Heathers.
Studio Exec: Who is this going to appeal to?
Pitchman: Well, we'll market it as a borderline horror and with our teen stars we'll get the teen market. We've got the good looking guys to attract women, and the horro aspet to attract men. We'll hook adults by claiming its a "thinking" movie and by hiring actors, not just pretty faces.
Studio Exec: How's the script?
Pitchman: Well, its artsy enough to confuse people into thinking it must be good. It does have some holes and pointless characters, but we can work with 'em.
Studio Exec: Who do want for cameos?
Pitchman: We were thinking of Drew Barrymore, Noah Wyle, Patrick Swayze, and that mom from Home Alone to play the mom here. Just for that touch of irony.
Studio Exec: Green light it.
This movie is worth seeing for the good acting, intriguing plot, Frank (VERY cheaply done, but VERY well designed and done just right), and honestly, just to see it.
Donnie Darko won't blow your socks off, but maybe it will. Its one to watch and then discuss. Brains are required.
6 out of 10.
Its an excellently made film, but I have a hard time rating it higher since the ending is questionable. Its just, well, it leaves more questions than it answers, and I'm not convinced it was done intentionally.
“Every record been destroyed or falsified, books rewritten, pictures repainted, statues, street building renamed, every date altered. The process is continuing day by day. History stops. Nothing exists except endless present in which the Party is right.”
As for the ending... it made perfect sense to me.
Its difficult to discuss without spoilers, but yeah, the ending fit the story. My questioning of it was whether or not it intentionally left certain plot threads hanging as a way to make viewers question things or if it was just bad writing.
“Every record been destroyed or falsified, books rewritten, pictures repainted, statues, street building renamed, every date altered. The process is continuing day by day. History stops. Nothing exists except endless present in which the Party is right.”
Donnie Darko
The world. He saved the world.
8/10, I really enjoyed it and the soundtrack was amazing. Loved the soundtrack. Moody, pitch perfect for what it was, delivered on the plot setup points. Even had a chekhov's gun to bring the point home.
I can see Leisher's point in the first point... is it horror? No, but a little. Is it a black comedy? No, but a little. Is it sci fi? No, but a little. etc, etc. No neat bucket for this one.
It's not me, it's someone else.