Moment #1-Donnie Darko

Film:
 Donnie Darko

The Players:

Jake Gyllenhaal
Jena Malone

James Duval
Richard Kelly

Richard Kelly's film debut was in the form of a dark teenage drama entitled Donnie Darko. The film centers around a troubled young boy who suffers from apocalyptic visions of the future. These come in the form of a rabbity creature named Frank, telling Donnie of far to many impossible things, that some how have the ability to come true. Taking place in 1988 Kelly fully captures the teenage want for rebellion, but their need for stabilty.

In this scene Donnie and his girlfriend go out for a night of Evil Dead, as she falls asleep Frank appears once again, asking Donnie to complete another act of violence. In return, this is the first time we learn of Frank's true ability, name, and many other attributes that will lead to the films later elements and reveal.

Donnie Darko as a whole was a very intense film for me. Having first saw it as a teenager, it left a lasting impression of doom, darkness, and depression, but had an overlapping layer of hope. This scene in particularly affeted me greatly because of its sense of calm. Having seen this film as an outsider and depressed about many things (much like Donnie) it gives you a great contrast of two different emotions. Donnie is out simply having a good time with his girlfriend, at the same time being told to tear the world apart. Keeping Donnie and Gretchen as the only two in the theatre was smart. It made me feel isolated, and alone all the while Frank is there. The music sets the mood for terror and sadness and Kelly casts shadows across the walls adding an even more eerie effect, and Franks hoarse whisper leaves us wanting more. The fact that Donnie leaves his girlfriend all alone in the theatre shows that he is willing to go to unbearable lengths to continue whatever it is Frank says, and to keep what is right in place.