May 4th, 2009 | 
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This unclassifiable but stunningly original film obliterates the walls between teen comedy, science fiction, family drama, horror, and cultural satire–and remains wildly entertaining throughout. Jake Gyllenhaal (October Sky) stars as Donnie, a borderline-schizophrenic adolescent for whom there is no difference between the signs and wonders of reality (a plane crash that decimates his house) and hallucination (a man-sized, reptilian rabbit who talks to him). Obsessed with the science of time travel and acutely aware of the world around him, Donnie is isolated by his powers of analysis and the apocalyptic visions that no one else seems to share. The debut feature of writer-director Richard Kelly, Donnie Darko is a shattering, hypnotic work that sets its own terms and gambles–rightfully so, as it turns out–that a viewer will stay aboard for the full ride. –Tom Keogh
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Amazon might have wrong listing or different version
I went to best buy today and this release is not only a 2 disc release(amazon says 1 disc), but also has both the director’s cut and the regular version of the movie so Amazon’s listing is either wrong, not updated or they have a different version.
5 Stars Director’s Cut is waaay Underrated
What’s NOT to like about it? For me, the DC is far better than the original. Some scenes cut from the original are simple but very emotional and should have never left the movie in the first place. The soundtrack is just the way the director had originally intended and they had more time to work with the special effects.
And well, yes, the original movie is far more “open” to interpretation, but that isn’t necessarily a good thing. As for me, I liked to know what the director’s idea for what was behind the events that happened in the movie was.
DD:DC is one of my favorite movies EVER.
5 Stars Genius
What can one say about Donnie Darko ?
It’s pure genius plus one of the biggest Mind [...] of any movie I have ever seen.
The soundtrack alone is worth watching it over and over .
Jake Gyllenhaal gives a performance that is not only Oscar worthy but well crafted beyond his years.
The whole cast is amazing as well.
I have dealt with the schizophrenic mind first hand what most people don’t realize is most people with this disorder are highly highly intelligent and some are genius’s.
You can be speaking to a schizophrenic and they’re right on scope and displaying these highly intelligent qualities then out of the blue they’re mind makes a left turn and where it leads from that point can be anything from Frank the bunny to the CIA chasing them.
This is why Donnie Darko works so well and the whole ambiguous atmosphere is apropos.
if you want to view something light that doesn’t make you think this movie is not for you.
I guarantee if you watch this movie with an open mind and clear your emotional pallet beforehand
it will stay with you forever.
4 Stars Not the director’s cut?
I love this movie, I love the theatrical version, but I really love the Director’s Cut! I am disappointed that the Blu-Ray release does not have the longer version on it, which I feel is a much more complete movie.
5 Stars Top 100 movies of all time
I’ve never seen a movie like this. The movie has a beautiful aspect (especially the end). And there are a few chuckles as well. Contrary to the more critical commentary, there is depth and complexity to the story that kind of requires you to see it more than once. I’m no genius, but what I gathered the basis of Donnie Darko to be is about our part in the deliberate DESIGN of our destiny, and I catch more each time I watch it.
Regardless of anything, sincere thought and expression went in to the making of Donnie Darko. Mixed with skill and technical ability = Art.
A WORK OF ART! In the top 100 movies of all time in my opinion.
