The movie is full of ironic situations. The most compelling is the idea that Donnie was haunted by his future. He is truly schizophrenic, yet sees Frank because he knows that Frank will kill Gretchen 28 days later. Frank is not in fact a random imaginary figure, but a vision of a horrifying future. Frank turned out to kill Gretchen by running her over in his car. When Gretchen dies, Donnie is forced to go back in time and let himself die to save her. Ironically, Donnie says in the movie that he must obey Frank because he saved his life. So if you put these factors together you get a scary conclusion. Frank's "decision" to save Donnie Darko actually forced Donnie to kill himself.

While you're watching the movie, you are constantly asking yourself what each discussion or character has to do with the overall picture. The conclusion I draw is that most of the characters and situations don't have any impact on the final outcome. But all of those characters and situations in the movie make it more like a real life story. For instance the discussion of the smurfettes. Movies always tend to skip the normal activities in life and only show chase scenes or shootouts. They never show the main character brushing their teeth, or watering their lawn. So in fact, Donnie Darko, as strange as the movie may come off, is more like real life than most other movies. Certain scenes may come of to be very "random," yet they are essential in capturing the reality of Donnie Darko's strange and somewhat twisted world.

After watching the movie the first time, I was put in a quandary. I knew I liked it and knew I needed to watch it again. This movie is specifically designed to leave the viewer in thought. If the movie had a clear-cut resolution, there would be no need for discussions. I used to believe I liked clear endings in movies better, however now I enjoy making my own theories and discussing it with friends. It almost takes the fun out of a movie when the viewer isn't left with an open ending.

Donnie Darko is open for many interpretations. This is partly why I made this section of the web site. After scrolling through my spiel, it is now your turn to talk. Sign the guestbook with comments on Donnie Darko or a response to a previous comment. Please join in the discussion.

Post your comments!
View the Guestbook
Archived Posts

Back to Home|Watch Intro| Pics|Trailer| Links|Cast List| Downloads