Sunday, October 10, 2004

I don't know what I just saw, but I think I like it.

Christy, my pal who's crashing at our pad, just exposed me to Donnie Darko tonight. I'm not sure what the movie's about, but my gut instinct is that I like it a lot. Patrick Swayze is really, really creepy in it and I'm not getting a stuffed rabbit for my child. Ever. Mad World is one of the saddest songs ever created and I'm still trying to figure out what the hell is going on in this movie.

I need to learn more about this movie. Maybe I'll report back later with it. If anyone knows what the hell is going on, let me know.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Here's one theory about what "Donnie Darko" means.

At the beginning of the movie, Donnie is extremely depressed. He finds no happiness in his own life, nor does he see any happiness in other people's lives. The plane engine will kill him, and it is difficult to say what his view of his own death will be. One view is that he would accept this death because it would end the pain and unhappiness which he sees and feels. The other view is that Donnie would reject this death, just as anybody would, selfishly wanting his own "good."

Regardless, Donnie would not view his death in the best manner. Either he is selfishly attempting to stay alive, or he is suicidal. Frank saves him, and the bulk of the movie is a demonstration alla "A Christmas Carol" of what would happen if Donnie didn't die in the plane accident.

If he survives, everybody in Donnie's life becomes happy for a brief time. In the end, however, extraordinary loss befalls not only him (the death of his girlfriend) but everybody else. Everybody gets brief happiness then shattering loss and pain.

Thus, Donnie is returned to the date of the plane crash, and he know sees that to live would be selfish because it would cause so much pain it would end the world. He is laughing before he dies because he sees that not only is happiness possible, but he is helping in bringing happiness to others by accepting his death.

That's one theory, and there are others. Glad you enjoyed the movie though, it is amazing. I would also recommend "The Butterfly Effect." Similar in many ways to Donnie.

Enjoy!
Sincerely,
kurticusmaximus@blogspot.com

Amanda said...

While I respect Kurticus' opinion (having never seen Donnie Darko, I can only assume that what he is saying is spot on), I heartily reccomend NEVER seeing The Butterfly Effect. Ever. Pretend it never existed. If some mentions the film, say that your religion doesn't allow you to watch it. In fact, if you ever come across a DVD or VHS copy, destroy it in the manner you deem most effective and convenient. Believe me, you will go on living a much happier and productive life if you never have to experience The Butterfly Effect.

And again, Kurticus, I respect your opinion. This is not an attack on you; I just can't stand that festering dungheap of a movie.

Thank you, and have a good day.

Alan De Smet said...

Salon offers "Everything you were afraid to ask about 'Donnie Darko'". I haven't seen the movie, but I've read that article. And I'm scared of them movie.