This is topic Donnie Darko in forum Film Handlers' Movie Reviews at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.
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Posted by Matthew Sonnenshein (Member # 1372) on 08-02-2002, 02:05 AM:
I recently saw this flick. Though its at times confusing and unexplained it was so worthwhile. It didnt leave out the mystique of adolescence and its occasional bitter trajedy. The acting is stellar and the cinematography is erie. All good things all-around.
4 1/2 out of 5 This movie left me speechless.
Posted by Don Anderson (Member # 397) on 08-02-2002, 10:15 AM:
Ditto. Never remember it playing out around here. But, a friend did recommend renting the dvd. So, I did, and watched it 4 times. Extremely well made film. Wait to buy the DVD, as it will have a price drop sometime in September.
Posted by Evans A Criswell (Member # 381) on 08-02-2002, 02:00 PM:
Wow! What a coincidence..Last night, a friend of mine came over since he wanted to see this DVD on my system. He said that about 10 of his friends had recommended it, sayig he really should see it. I'd never even heard of it. It definitely did not get shown at any theatres here in Huntsville or Decatur.
It was bizarre, and the cinematography was very neat. It was actually filmed with an anamorphic lens, and I noticed that in many scenes (or maybe all of them), the lens used turned straight lines at the top or bottom of the picture (such as the edge of a chalkboard or where the wall meets the floor) into noticeable curves, like a very slight fish-eye effect.
It's definitely the most different, more bizarre movie I've seen in a very long time. I recommend it.
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Evans A Criswell
Huntsville-Decatur Movie Theatre Information Site
Posted by Joe Beres (Member # 678) on 08-02-2002, 02:08 PM:
Donnie Darko basically had a botched distribution deal and despite incredible critical praise and a successful run at film festivals, it didn't get around very much at all. I was lucky enough to catch it twice on the big screen during its week long run in Madison. Yes, I liked it that much. I also bought the dvd. It's an amazing film and I would argue that it is one of very few well done 80s 'period' films. The DVD is packed with special features. If you haven't yet, check out donneiedarko.com It is one of the greatest and most intricate websites I have ever seen.
Posted by James R. Hammonds, Jr (Member # 673) on 08-02-2002, 03:14 PM:
This movie kicked my ass and I was begging for more.
Ive seen few movies lately that I would want to watch repeatedly and Ive been wanting to see this again, but my mother has it and wants to watch it agian before I take it back.------------------
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Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 07-30-2003, 08:44 AM:
Great film, though it's probably not for everyone. I saw it in 35mm a couple of weeks ago and again on DVD last night...it definitely demands multiple viewings.
This is currently doing very well as a midnight show at one local theatre and might be worth booking especially in markets where it didn't last long during its initial run.
Posted by Don Anderson (Member # 397) on 08-12-2003, 01:11 AM:
We ran it as a midnite show about two weeks ago. We packed our largest auditorium, it was simply amazing. People drove 35 miles to come see it. It has a big cult following in southeastern Wisconsin. It will be playing in Milwaukee in the near future. Go see it if ya can! ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Posted by William Leland III (Member # 1400) on 08-12-2003, 01:53 PM:
I'm a huge fan of "Donnie Darko", one of the best movies I have ever seen. I make all my friends watch it and they all have enjoyed it. Go and buy the DVD, trust me. Spread the word...
Don, or anyone else, do you have any posters, maquees or anything related the movie? I would greatly appreciate it.
Donnie Darko
if you think the movie is strange, try the website. it will rack your brain.
Posted by Don Anderson (Member # 397) on 08-14-2003, 12:47 AM:
William, I had a couple one sheets from New Market, but one is being saved for future use, and the other has been framed. Also have a scope trailer, but, again...we will be using it next summer as we plan on booking it again. There are a few vendors on ebay selling one sheet reproductions, and they are actually very nice copies. I bought one just incase we couldn't get an original sheet. But, I gave it to a diehard Donnie fan.
Posted by Pravin Ratnam (Member # 1417) on 08-14-2003, 04:23 AM:
I liked the movie a lot. It was shown in Atlanta for the first time recently. The print quality was disappointing. Still, the theater was filled with many people who owned the DVD. I was glad I skipped the showing on HBO the week before.
However, my opinion of the movie went down a tad after talking to the director during the post movie meet and greet. Richard Kelly seemed to think of the movie more as a scifi movie than I did. I personally feel the movie has way too many holes as a scifi movie. At least Terry Gilliam admits on the 12 Monkeys , the scifi part was not supposed to be the main thing. So I give logic problems (inherent in every time travel movie) a pass for 12 Monkeys.
However, if you just go by the vibes the movie generates, it is a very good experience. The cover of Mad World by Jules was excellent. I don't even remember the Tears for Fears original, but I am sure it wasn't this good.
Great direction by Kelly even if I think he should have either simplified the time travel logic a bit or made it even more complex.
After watching this movie, you wonder if Spiderman 2 would have benefited if they did not rescind the Spiderman 2 offer to Jake G. Tobey fit the role in Part 1. But it would have been nice to see a fresh new face for Part 2 who could add a little more than the predictable sweetness Tobey gives the role.
Posted by Andrew Duggan (Member # 1302) on 08-14-2003, 10:15 AM:
Yesterday while I was waiting to get my sub at Subway, I saw this guy walk by the windows whose entire right forearm was an enormous tattoo of Frank the Bunny's face. It was freaking unreal.
Posted by Bill Gabel (Member # 1105) on 08-14-2003, 10:37 AM: