I wish I could understand in this day and age what exactly it is that makes a cult film. Quite possibly, it could be the following that film has and how rabid they are about the film itself. It's true that Donnie Darko has one of the most intense followings a film could ever ask for. The fans of this film has dissected it from the inside out, trying to explain each and every little facet of the film. Which is cool, if you're into having information spoonfed to you and not really interested in figuring it out for yourself.

However, I find that to be the most interesting and entertaining aspect of this film. Nothing is really explained in full, but it's not so vague that it's completely impossible to understand. Richard Kelly wrote a brilliant script, full of true emotion and at times horror, complete with science fiction elements so strange it will be hard to wrap your brain around them if you're not entirely into this kind of film. It certainly is not for the casual viewer.

But with the Director's Cut, we get a whole new look at the original Donnie Darko, with over twenty minutes of additional footage and a whole new soundtrack.

Before Bubble Boy and Brokeback Mountain, Jake Gyllenhaal established himself as an incredible actor with his portrayal of Donnie Darko. Indeed, it is the acting in this film that makes it so powerful. The interaction between the family, especially Jake and real-life-sister Maggie, and the dinner conversation between the two, makes you believe that these two really are siblings in the context of the film and doesn't feel like just two actors going at each other's throats. Maybe it was just the fact that they grew up together that made it so believable, but I tend to lean more towards the fact that the two were just great actors as it was, and used the influence from their lives together to craft a bond between the two characters. And of course, Jena Malone is fantastic, as she always is, as Gretchen Ross, Donnie's girlfriend and unfortunate victim in the whole scheme of things. But there isn't really a weak actor in this film, they all do excellent in their roles, and it all just seems completely believable.

The cinematography is also top notch. For a first time director, Richard Kelly really knows what he's doing and always manage to find the most beautiful and effective shots to emphasize what's going on in the scene. That's what's beautiful about this film- there isn't a shot that is just there to further the movie, every shot is there to increase the impact of what is going on in the story. Even in the simplest shots, there is something special about each one that I rarely see in films.

Also with this Director's Cut, Richard Kelly changed the score around, which was hit and miss. Most of the time it was a hit, but I miss hearing Echo and the Bunnymen playing during the opening scene. INXS's Never Tear Us Apart isn't bad, but I remember falling in love with The Killing Moon because of the original cut. Basically, that's my only gripe about the change in score, as everything else works perfectly.

If you haven't seen Donnie Darko and want a film that isn't a spoonfed 'here's what's going on' formula, do yourself a favor and see it. If you loved the original cut, chances are you'll love this one too. This is a film every should see at least one time, even if just to say you did.

If you are deciding between this director's cut and the original theatrical release, I would spend the extra cash for this edition. The plot is easier to understand and music is better.

-This review pertains to the Director's Cut edition of Donnie Darko-

WARNING: This review contains spoilers! DO NOT READ THIS UNTIL YOU'VE SEEN THE FILM!

In Richard Kelly's Director's Cut of his cult classic, Donnie Darko, we are given nearly twenty minutes of additional footage, which pulls us deeper into the tangent universe. In 2001, Donnie Darko was praised by critics and audiences during its exhibitions at film festivals, however during its theatrical release the film failed to grab the attention of the mainstream U.S. audience. It wasn't until British filmgoers hailed the film as being one of the most original movies of the decade that the film was given a second chance. Now with this 2-disc Director's Cut edition, we can explore the fractured world of Donnie Darko in greater detail. Though the theatrical cut has become a cult classic, the Director's Cut is an even more complete film. Now that Richard Kelly has established himself as a noteworthy director, he's able to reclaim creative control and reassemble the film to match his original vision (20th Century Fox executives ordered the film to be shortened and simplified after a disappointing showing at the Sundance Film Festival). In this new cut, the characters are given more attention, which is wonderful as each member of the cast gives an amazing performance. The story, which will still likely mesmerize most of its viewers, is clarified with the addition of new dialogue scenes.

The story is set in the year 1988, in Middlesex, Virginia. Here Donnie Darko, a troubled teenager, begins to have disturbing blackouts and hallucinations. During these episodes he loses track of time and often regains consciousness only to find himself in some strange place with no memory of how he got there. Donnie's home life is also stressful, as his emotional problems lead to conflicts with his family. One night, after a confrontation with his mother, Donnie is awakened by an eerie voice. It's the voice of a man in a rabbit suit, a man named Frank. Frank tells Donnie that the world is going to end in 28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes, 12 seconds. After Donnie wakes up the next morning in the middle of the country club's golf course, he walks home to find out that a jet engine landed on his family's house, destroying his bedroom. When Donnie returns to school the following day, he is treated like a quasi-celebrity... and he meets the new girl in school, Gretchen. Donnie and Gretchen are immediately drawn to each other. On his ride home from school, Donnie's father almost hits Roberta Sparrow, a reclusive 101-year-old woman, who tells Donnie, "Every living creature on Earth dies alone." Donnie confides in his psychiatrist, Dr. Thurman, and tells her about his problems and anxieties.
Meanwhile, Frank tells Donnie to flood the school, which he does by taking an axe to the school's water main. When school is canceled Donnie walks Gretchen home from the bus stop and they develop a close relationship. Donnie is given support by Gretchen, but also by his bohemian teacher, Ms. Pomeroy and his science teacher, Dr. Monnitoff. However he also faces obstacles put in his way by Mrs. Farmer, the school's puritanical and patronizing gym teacher and by Jim Cunningham, a self-righteous and hypocritical self-help guru, who uses cheap New Age philosophy and pop-psychology to control people. Donnie rebels against these two negative influences when he makes an obscene comment to Mrs. Farmer and accuses Jim Cunningham of being the anti-Christ.
One day Donnie asks Dr. Monnitoff what he knows about time travel and Dr. Monnitoff gives Donnie a book that was written by none other than Roberta Sparrow. The book describes an anomaly in which one universe is split into two by a disruption in the space-time continuum. The tangent universe, or secondary universe, is made unstable and will collapse upon itself. This is only preventable if one can travel back in time and stop the tangent universe from being created. If the tangent universe cannot be unmade, if the timeline cannot be corrected then the tangent universe will collapse destroying both itself and the primary universe. Donnie tries to explain these discoveries to his psychiatrist, Dr. Thurman, but she sees no connections between Roberta Sparrow's book and Donnie's "hallucinations" of Frank. Dr. Thurman believes Donnie to be a paranoid-schizophrenic. Unsurprisingly, Donnie isn't convinced that that's the case. There are too many similarities, too many parallels between the chapters of the book and what Frank has been preparing him for. Donnie consults Dr. Monnitoff about the nature of time travel and how it would be possible, but when the discussion takes on theological overtones Dr. Monnitoff ends their talk.
One night Frank reveals his identity to Donnie, by taking off his rabbit mask. Frank is a young man, not much older than Donnie, and his right eye is missing. Frank tells Donnie that he must burn down Jim Cunningham's house. Donnie torches the house while the rest of the town is at a school talent show. There, Donnie's little sister, Samantha, is part of a dance team called Sparkle Motion. When Sparkle Motion is invited to appear on Star Search, Donnie's parents must accompany Samantha on a plane trip to California. While his parents are away Donnie throws a party for his older sister, Elizabeth, who's just been accepted to Harvard. Donnie and Gretchen leave the party prematurely and a series of incidents lead to Gretchen being killed when a car hits her. Donnie, using a gun he stole from his father's closet, shoots the driver in the face, in the eye. It was Frank. Early the nest morning Donnie watches as a black hole forms in the Earth's atmosphere, dissolving the Earth's gravitational pull, dramatically affecting the weather, and pulling apart the jet that his parents are on. Using the knowledge that Frank gave him, Donnie sends the jet's engine into a wormhole, back through time where it lands on the family's house, destroying his bedroom. By doing this he prevented the creation of the tangent universe, thus saving the world. But because there was no longer the threat of absolute destruction, Frank never died at Donnie's hands; his death was effectively reversed, so his ghost never went back in time to warn Donnie that night that he went sleepwalking. Donnie was in his bed, laughing at the realization of what he'd done, when the jet engine crashed through the ceiling, landing on him. He sacrifices himself to save Gretchen, his family, and the world.

Donnie Darko may very well be one of the most complex, thought-provoking debuts for a filmmaker. Not only does Richard Kelly direct, but he also wrote the meticulous screenplay, which utilizes a knowledge of quantum physics, psychology, mythological archetypes, religious concepts, and modern moral and family issues. The film's multi-layered characters are portrayed by a talented ensemble cast including Jake Gyllenhaal as Donnie Darko, Holmes Osborne as Mr. Darko, Maggie Gyllenhaal as Elizabeth Darko, Daveigh Chase as Samantha Darko, Mary McDonnell as Mrs. Darko, James Duval as Frank, Patrick Swayze as Jim Cunningham, Beth Grant as Mrs. Farmer, Jena Malone as Gretchen, Noah Wyle as Dr. Monnitoff, Drew Barrymore as Ms. Pomeroy, and Katharine Ross as Dr. Thurman.

The 2-disc Director's Cut DVD includes an audio commentary with Richard Kelly and Kevin Smith, Production Diary documentary, They Made Me Do It Too- The Cult of Donnie Darko featurette, Storyboard-to-Screen featurette, #1 Fan: A Darkomentary featurette, and the Director's Cut trailer.

Also recommended:
Planet of the Apes: The Ultimate DVD Collection
Time After Time
Somewhere in Time
The Terminator
Back to the Future - The Complete Trilogy
Prince Of Darkness
Bill & Ted's Most Excellent Collection
Stephen King Gift Set
12 Monkeys
Frequency

Donnie Darko. What a ride, what a character. In fact, I think this kid just had to be my personal hero!
I haved loved this movie for years, and not just loved it. It is like a beautiful, intelligent woman, where you love every part of it, in every way. It is a flawless creation.
The characters are incredible. Donnie is a broodig teenager that any can relate to. He just happens to be visited by the future and traverse space and time. His parents are completely realistic recreations of sad, worried, yet oddly hopeful elders. And his teachers, Noah Wyle, Drew Barrymore, and one crazy lady who loves Patrick Swayze, are all tremendously entertaining figures, in every way.
Many people at the beginning roll their eyes at such a perceivedly dark piece of work, But by the end, they are enlightened, laughing, scared, and astonishingly overjoyed. This movie has a toll on the senses unlike any other. And the hip 80's soundtrack will make any viewer fill with uneasy glee.
There is no need to describe the plot. No one can. It must be deciphered through multiple viewings, and even then, the viewer is left up to their own interpretation. It is an admirable mind-twister, and you will spend many nights awake arguing with yourself over the meaning of the film.
I loved the film. it perfectly blends dark comedy, horror, drama, intution, curiosity, and virtuosity into one complex, compelling mastercraft. And the fact that it is independent with a rookie director only heightens the sense of accomplishment felt here.

After several viewings and much thought, all I can say about this movie, in seven words or less is, "My God, what a totally fantastic flick!" A film, which I only finally saw (but had heard about, many years after it hit theaters and later DVD and cable). I really cannot say how great this film is, but I'll try. Note however, that on Amazon's rating scale from 1 star to 5, if I could, I'd give this SIX stars, but am limited to five. For this is a work which rises above the five star Amazon rating level for me, and few films have ever done that actually. Overall, despite some minor stumbles along the way, and many, confusing non-linear moments which occur throughout, I can seriously say this is certainly one of the most unique, touching, and mind-expanding movie efforts I've seen in a long, long time. It entered my top 20-50 films of all time quickly at the very least, when I first experienced it, and continues to move up, upon repeated screenings and reflections. That's saying a lot because my list of such top films of all times includes dozens of great films, too many to name here.

This is a small and independent but yet, GREAT movie, and is a must-buy for those with the funds and who loved/love this right off the bat as much as I did/do, because more viewings not only add to one's understanding and appreciation of it all, but will over time, as it has for me, simply add to one's thinking about it all deeply afterwards and lead to finding new meanings in various scenes and ideas/insights. Basically. "Donnie Darko," if you see it and you enjoy it upon initially watching it and re-watching it as I did (and still do), is a strange, wonderful enigma of a film, which you will come back to, for further and deeper appreciation. With the rather obtuse at times, and certainly non-progressive temporal structure however, repeated viewings and closer attention, almost seems essential for a full appreciation of this masterpiece. Along with so many various interpretations from viewers, if you collect DVD's, and fell in love with this film early on, as I did originally and much later on, this is really a movie you'll want to come back to and watch again, many times. While my review does not distinguish between released DVD versions, I can only concentrate on the basic product, which in its original film, is really something special.

It's hard to know where to begin to describe this absolutely amazing movie/film, which I found so surprisingly fascinating and unforgettable and great, when I first saw it, and since have, upon repeated viewings. As a general rule, I have never written short Amazon reviews, since my main deal here has been to try to impart upon readers, more in depth thoughts on all things entertainment-wise. I could just say, "this is a little-known, but important, cult-ish example of what Hollywood/Independent cinema can be, and mandatory viewing for any real, thought-stimulating movie fan," or "it is a complete and enlightening surprise from beginning to end," but I will instead just give my totally personal opinion (with a lot more words) that this is a film which everyone should see at least once. Whether afterwards, they get the same mental digestive overdrive reactions I did when I first saw it and which has been validated by seeing it again and again, is unknown to me. Because I loved this movie the very first time I saw it, and watching it again has only reinforced that opinion. I would hope to believe others have experienced this gem as much as I did originally, and have found enjoyment from repeated viewings.

While this film is, indeed, very non-linear. which is usually a quality which more often than not, has turned me off to so many other such movies besides notable exceptions like "Pulp Fiction," "Go," and "11:14." "Donnie Darko" is very deliberate in its intent and purpose, and its oftentimes ambiguous nature, is just one of its many charms. If you first see it, and like/love it, you'll eventually refer others to it, if for no other reason, than for that of trying to search for other's explanations as to what it's all about, from others besides yourself. However, if one first experiences this little jewel of a film and doesn't quite understand/appreciate it, I would advise one to simply devote the time if possible to watch it again, and again. In time, I would trust that it will all eventually become clear, what this enigma of an independent, but Hollywood release, really means. While some unnecessarily may want to over-interpret this, or dismiss it entirely from a possible feeling of just being too lazy to simply THINK, to me, "Donnie Darko" is simply amazing. Whether watched initially, repeatedly, and/or thought about later.

I came to eventually see this film long after its original release and subsequent impact, as I have so many other great movies, but in the new century, That does not diminish its importance and meaning to me as a truly great cinematic effort in the long run, and this new century film holds up very well, with anything from the last few decades. It is a one of a kind, at the very least, and I only wish more modern-day films came to equal this cinematic excellence.

I could go on to list the many stars and their fine performances, including Jake Gyllenhaal (our teen-aged hero which this middle-aged man can still truly identify with), his sister in real life and in this movie, "Maggie Gyllenhaal," Mary McDonnell, Patrick Swayze, Drew Barrymore, and Jena Malone among others, but let it be said, this is a great cast. And their characters all perform key roles in the overall whole.

"Donnie Darko" is one of the best films I've seen this century. It is strange, open for debate as to meaning, but entertaining and compelling throughout. The film style is original and effective, the soundtrack and appropriate "songs" right-on, and the whole film, while dealing with some rather disturbing and/or depressing subjects, is a winner from frame one to the last frame. If you have never seen this, by all means, do. If you have, a lot of what I've hinted about without spoilers, should touch base.

An unforgettable experience, I watched this in amazement the first time, and have since, upon every repeated viewing. One of a kind, tight, and almost perfectly presented from beginning to end, along with a near perfect cast, directorial style, and musical background, "Donnie Darko" is truly a must-see experience. What it all really "means" in the end, is up to the viewer, which makes it forever more a total and timeless winner.