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Donnie Darko: The Director's Cut
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| Donnie Darko meets The Sacrifice | |
|  | Obviously a billion film and pop culture references in this flick - great, rich stuff that's launched a thousand arguments.
One thing occurs to me - I know there's been much made of both the writer/director's "tangent universe" stuff as well as the Christ allusions. All that's going on and more.
Clearly Donnie's isolated as all get out at the beginning but increasingly connects with a few people - Gretchen, his Smurf-pondering friends, and eventually even his mom. This move from isolation appears to be one of the key character developments in the film - that he goes from being terrified of dieing alone (because he is alone) to dieing because he's no longer alone and can do something meaningful for those he's connected with. A form of sacrifice.
So I couldn't help thinking about the movie "The Sacrifice" by Tarkovsky with it's own odd sci-fi/religious plot about the end of the world. And the long coda featuring those who survive.
Certainly there's much, much more going on. But for me this was a way to see through all the tangent universe mumbo-jumbo into something a little more familiar and comprehensible without reading the freakin' manual to the film.
A complex, ambitious and ultimately successful movie. With a kickin' soundtrack.
| | a movie for those of us who like to think | |
| | I never really waste my time writing these reviews, but after seeing the other reviews written about what is most likely the best movie I will ever get the chance to experience in my lifetime, I feel compelled to contort on the injustices being served by some critics who seem very passionate on labelling it as some sort of acid trip movie, or worse, complete jargon.
while staggeringly complex in its plot and use of alliteration,all other aspects of this movie are what I consider to be masterful. The structure of the Darko family and their social orientation in their cookie cutter small suburban town in a time piece movie such as this are eerily realistic. The dinner table scenes where the family discusses their day blew me away. The dialogue and acting in these parts, the way the characters are developed,is just amazing to watch. The use of music and great cinematography create an almost unforgettable experience, and really set to define the setting of this story. And While many seem to suggest that the scenes seem to jump around or that there are too many holes, dont seem to understand that a)movies are not books and i have never watched a movie with any artistic or literary muscle that explains everything, this is very much an open to interpretation piece that asks you to use your brain and not forget you have one, b)while i agree that the first cut had some explaining to do, i do not think that the directors cut leaves anything that is needed for understanding out,and c)as someone who has studied very little in the art world, but has a great appreciation for it, I understand that the whole jumping around thing is an attribute to an intense amount of post-modern art, and if used carefully and effectively (as I no doubt feel it has in this film) keeps the viewer intrigued and aware.
As for the complexity of the plot, whithout trying to give too much away, when someone tries to tackle philosophies and ideas, however unlikely or disliked they are, such as time travel, social responsibility, teen angst or rebelliousness, spirituality, and human psychology, wrapped into what is truly a love story [the real synopsis: a tormented young man travels through time and sacrifices his own life in exchange for his lovers], it is expected that the plot will be somewhat complex. And because this piece does deal with time travel, it is unnecessary, but somewhat fulfilling, to watch the movie over again and catch all the nuances and small seemingly unimportant moments come together seamlessly into the masterpiece this really is.
| | | Before you read my review, know that the individual from ontario who gave this movie 2 stars probably has never even seen the movie, and of course, has not seen the directors cut. This is a movie which will leave you questioning what it is you just saw. You'll want to watch again as soon as its over. The Directors cut also fills in many of the holes left by the original, as well as change the feel of nearly ever character, Frank being the most important. He is no longer the 'satanic bunny' but rather a messenger from God. So in short, watch this movie, and be blown away!
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