Combine Jimmy Stewart's "Harvey" with Graham Greene's "The Destructors." Throw in a little bit of H. G. Wells' "Time Machine," and then head off into the world of Ron Serling, and you'll begin to have an approximation of this film. So, it's pretty weird. Make that extremely weird. And very confusing. For example: what would you think if I said that the story revolves around an evil, black, six foot tall rabbit? And that his character is actually one of the more reasonable things in the movie? But the more I think about it, the more sense it makes, and the better I like it. Every scene, no matter how confusing, has a purpose. And they all come together very suddenly to make perfect sense. The script is wonderful, and the cast is note-perfect. Special mention goes to Jake Gyllenhaal, of October Sky fame, who is marvelously understated and complex as Donnie. And Jena Malone is also excellent. So are all the adults, with a particular note to Mary McDonnell, who plays Donnie's mother. A critic described the film as "a marvelous, messed-up antidote to the sitcom alienation of 'American Beauty." And that's a wonderful description. Despite all the weirdness and horror in the film, there is something profoundly hopeful about it. And the ending really re-enforces that. There is definitely someone watching out of things. And Donnie can see that. He sacrifices himself for his family and his girl. And, he has no regrets; he is joyful. All in all, the film is very strange, and strangely moving. Just a little note: the little mention of J.R.R. Tolkien and his love for the phrase "cellar door" is a great touch.
"I have reached the end of your book, and there are so many things I need to ask you. Sometimes I am afraid of what you might tell me. Sometimes I am afraid this is not a work of fiction. I can only hope that the answers will come to me in my sleep. I hope that when the world comes to an end, I can breathe a sigh of relief, because there will be so much to look forward to." |
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