26. Jena Malone is Gretchen Ross
The film is a teen's wet dream, a gothic tragedy with a hot female lead. The ultra talented
Jena Malone plays Donnies love interest. Her past is as twisted as any other and her pale white face reflects a girl whos dealt with more than she should have. Our very own Juliet is accurately cast; she fits the role so well. Its a relationship you always believe, a character you feel like you know, and she delivers some heart wrenching lines so perfectly.
27. FATE/DESTINY
Its a biggey in Donnie D. Its the major theme of the plot and connects every character, decision and event. Many will call it a get out clause, Kellys very own fail safe, but its the entire point of the piece, you cant deny it or down play it, when its what keeps the thing moving. Fate is the films secret weapon, and for those confused by the plot, think of it as this, everything happens for a reason, one thing leads to the next. He's a clever one that Mr. Kelly.
28. Quotes:
Sit next to the boy that you thinks the cutest!
29. Halloween Scene 
Ive said many times before the film is a masterpiece of imagery. An iconographical wonderland of 80s nostalgia and gothic beauty and the Halloween scene is no different. In fancy dress costumes the party hits full swing, with the apt
Love Will Tear Us Apart blasting out. As the film draws to the climax, the music tempo increases and the gang bike ride to Grandma Deaths. Its a delight for the eyes and ears, cinema at its best.
30. Jake Gyllenhaal
In the lead, eponymous role
Jake Gyllenhaal pulls off the performance of a lifetime as the angsty, troubled teen. A heartthrob from the off, this role isnt over dramatized or cliched, just real and human. An inspiring lead in what can be best described as a career high, so early on too. When he wears that skeleton costume you can see a hero in the making, Im surprised there isnt any action hero toys of Mr Darko yet. Someone make some yeah? Would Jake Gyllenhaal really be the movie star Jake Gyllenhaal without Donnie Darko?