Donnie Darko (2001)

: Hot Potato


Directed by: Richard Kelly
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Drew Barrymore, Patrick Swayze, Noah Wyle

Donnie Darko (Jake Gyllenhaal) is a teenager who is having strange (seriously folks) visions of a demonic looking bunny named Frank, who leads him on disturbing sleepwalking adventures. Frank communicates with Donnie using verbal and visual clues, but never makes himself completely understood and you can’t help but think that Donnie is schizo and Frank is a complete hallucination. After all, he is seeing a therapist, he’s been in trouble before, he is moody and he’s on some unknown form of medication. In his waking hours Donnie tries to figure things out, but he is one confused kid; he feels disconnected from his family, misunderstood by his teachers and, socially, a little awkward. The story isn’t satisfied with telling a tale of teen angst or even mental illness; it goes on a wilder journey that will keep you guessing and leave you pondering. It is a strange movie, no doubt; I like strange and I liked Donnie Darko. Sixteen hours later I’m still digesting this potato.

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