Donnie Darko made a star of Jake Gyllenhaal and remains one of the best fantasy films of the new millennium. It's a head-scratching journey through parallel dimensions, doomsday visions and a terrifying rabbit called Frank. Gyllenhaal's youngster is unknowingly burdened with the powers of saving the universe when he cheats his own death at the hands of a falling jet engine, creating an unstable tangential version of reality. Unpicking the films intricacies is only a part of its appeal. Gyllenhaal's excellent performance is a real delight and the character of Frank is really interesting. As the film ends, Donnie realises that it is his duty to die. If he allows himself to be crushed by the jet engine that bridges the two dimensions, he will collapse the tangential universe and restore the integrity of the real world. Knowing this, he laughs uncontrollably as he faces what can only be a very painful death at the falling aviation part. Donnie Darko is a real head-trip of a movie, but it provides closure as it ends with a satisfying goodbye for its central character and a world of restored order.
Freelance film journalist and fan of professional wrestling. Usually found in a darkened screening room looking for an aisle seat and telling people to put away their mobile phones. Also known to do a bit of stand-up comedy, so I'm used to the occasional heckle.
