8 Small Details You Only Notice Rewatching Donnie Darko

8. Rabbit Spotting

Frank, the guy in the nightmare fuel rabbit suit, has become ingrained in pop culture and is the first thing that most people recall about the surrealist masterpiece. The mask by sculptor Dale R. Brady makes Frank one bunny you won't forget in a hurry. However, there are several more stealthy rabbit references.

A stuffed rabbit keeps Elizabeth Darko company while she sleeps on the recliner. In the theme of Halloween, there is also a glimpse of a jack-o'-lantern bunny towards the film's conclusion. Those keeping a close eye will also notice a brief nod to the connection between Donnie and Frank. When Donnie picks up his car keys from his desk there is a Polaroid picture of a childhood Halloween. It shows Donnie dressed as a rabbit. The song The Killing Moon is heavily featured in the cinematic edit of the movie and packs and heightens the atmospheric tone. The band behind the track are Liverpool musicians Echo & The Bunnymen.

In perhaps the most obscure rabbit references, when Gretchen waits for a bus, a car briefly passes. On closer inspection it is a Volkswagon Rabbit.