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Donnie Darko (DVD)
Starring:
Jake Gyllenhaal, Holmes Osborne, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Daveigh Chase, Mary McDonnell, James Duval
Genre: Sci-Fi
Available on DVD: Feb 15th 2005

Review By:
Daniela Chunga

School:
Pace University, 2004

Favorite Quote:
I treat my reviews with the same respect as anything else in life. You're lucky you're able to get me here and even that's not an achievement because I've got nothing else to do.
Frank. He would stand in the streets and watch the reactions of the people as they would walk by the stickers. Some would just walk on by but it was the ones who would stand and examine the stickers that made the artist realize that he had truly made a connection that someone was actually taking the time to think about the message behind his work. The artists also collaborated to form an exhibit of graffiti art where they had a countdown clock based on the movie’s timeline of 28 days 6 hours 42 minutes and 12 seconds to complete their work. The result was a gala opening of fabulous art that is only viewable on the DVD.

“I think I’ve been able to clarify some misconceptions about the film – it was always a science fiction film, a superhero fable disguised as a coming of age tale,” states Director Richard Kelly in the Feb 24th issue of Rolling Stone upon the upcoming release of the DVD. He felt that the movie’s essence was left on the cutting room floor upon its release. So, with the DVD you’ll get all the scenes that didn’t make it into the original theatrical release. These scenes are pivotal scenes that aid in the story’s development. Additionally, you’ll be able to see the production videos behind the movie as well as a guided tour of the locations that were chosen for the film and, my most favorite portion, the illustrated production notes.

And while I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: Music is a major component to any movie, if not essential. Even if you hated any movie, you might be able to say that the soundtrack was a little tolerable. For Donnie Darko, Richard Kelly managed to pick songs that he remembered from the 80s post punk new wave that managed to capture a feeling he remembered while growing up. The entire soundtrack represents how the film progresses as well as have the ability to reflect pure emotion and enhance the visuals.

But what I found the most interesting about the DVD is the fact that there’s an included segment which argues why the film was so readily received overseas upon its original theatrical release. Could it be because the Brits are more adventurous? Or, are British audiences more attuned to viewing dark movies? Either way, it’s interesting to view the British audience’s interpretation of the film as well as their justifications for why the American audiences “just didn’t get it.”

And finally, the creative minds at DonnieDarko.com had a contest to find the #1 fan and have his short film featured on the DVD. As you’ll find out, obsessive fan takes on a new form in Donnie Darko’s #1 fan: Darryl Donaldson. In this portion of the film, you’ll get to see what a true fan has in their bedroom, i.e.: a jet engine replica, tons of web photos from the film, and a special wall that displays his illustrations inspired from dreams. Then ...




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