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Donnie Darko (2001)

R | | Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller | 26 October 2001 (USA)
Donnie Darko Poster
Trailer
1:37 | Trailer

On TV

Airs Thu. Dec. 20, 5:30 AM on SHOW

ON DISC
A troubled teenager is plagued by visions of a man in a large rabbit suit who manipulates him to commit a series of crimes, after he narrowly escapes a bizarre accident.

Director:

Richard Kelly

Writer:

Richard Kelly

Stars:

Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Mary McDonnell | See full cast & crew »
88
Reviews
Popularity
440 ( 253)
Top Rated Movies #223 | 11 wins & 15 nominations. See more awards »

Videos

See all 5 videos  »

Photos

See all 106 photos »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jake Gyllenhaal ... Donnie Darko
Holmes Osborne ... Eddie Darko
Maggie Gyllenhaal ... Elizabeth Darko
Daveigh Chase ... Samantha Darko
Mary McDonnell ... Rose Darko
James Duval ... Frank
Arthur Taxier ... Dr. Fisher
Patrick Swayze ... Jim Cunningham
Mark Hoffman Mark Hoffman ... Police Officer
David St. James ... Bob Garland
Tom Tangen Tom Tangen ... Man in Red Jogging Suit
Jazzie Mahannah ... Joanie James
Jolene Purdy ... Cherita Chen
Stuart Stone ... Ronald Fisher
Gary Lundy ... Sean Smith
See full cast »
Edit

Storyline

Donnie Darko doesn't get along too well with his family, his teachers, and his classmates; but he does manage to find a sympathetic friend in Gretchen, who agrees to date him. He has a compassionate psychiatrist, who discovers hypnosis is the means to unlock hidden secrets. His other companion may not be a true ally. Donnie has a friend named Frank, a large bunny which only Donnie can see. When an engine falls off a plane and destroys his bedroom, Donnie is not there. Both the event, and Donnie's escape, seem to have been caused by supernatural events. Donnie's mental illness, if such it is, may never allow him to find out for sure. Written by J. Spurlin

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

surrealism | time travel | schizophrenia | parallel universe | reference to an anus | See All (318) »

Taglines:

The cult phenomenon returns summer 2004. (director's cut re-release) See more »

Genres:

Drama | Sci-Fi | Thriller

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language, some drug use and violence | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
Edit

Details

Official Sites:

Official site | Official site [Spain]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 October 2001 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Donnie Darko: The Director's Cut See more »

Filming Locations:

Santa Clarita, California, USA See more »

Company Credits

Production Co:

Pandora Cinema,Flower Films (II),Adam Fields Productions See more »
Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

| (director's cut)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Mary McDonall and Noah Wyle worked together previously in ER where Mary portrayed his mother. See more »

Goofs

During the Life Line activity in Mrs. Farmer's class, Cherita answers her question card by placing an "X" on the chalkboard. When Donnie is called next the "X" that Cherita placed on the board is barely visible, like it had been half-erased. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Elizabeth: I'm voting for Dukakis.
See more »

Crazy Credits

After the closing credits, on the director's cut, there is the title of the movie followed by a drawing of Frank. See more »

Alternate Versions

Also, the line from Frank in the cinema, "I am so sorry", seems to be missing from the director's cut. See more »

Connections

Referenced in Community: Basic Email Security (2015) See more »

Soundtracks

Show Me
Written by Quito Colayco and Tony Hertz
Courtesy of Associated Production Music LLC
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is there no soundtrack with the original 1980s tracks?
Q: Why did Dr. Thurman call Donnie's parents on the night of the party?
Q: Why does Donnie do what he does in this movie?
See more »

User Reviews

 
You can't watch it only once
2 March 2004 | by Jim-512 – See all my reviews

I first saw this on cable tv. Thumbing through the channels I stopped just as Donnie Darko was beginning. I thought the title was weird, and readied my thumb on the remote channel selector...pointed it at the TV...and it stayed there for the rest of the movie! I couldn't stop watching! I've never seen a movie like this. The movie has a beautiful aspect (especially the end). And there are a few chuckles as well. Contrary to the more critical commentary, there is depth and complexity to the story that kind of requires you to see it more than once. I'm no genius, but what I gathered the basis of Donnie Darko to be is about our part in the deliberate DESIGN of our destiny, and I catch more each time I watch it.

Regardless of anything, sincere thought and expression went in to the making of Donnie Darko. Mixed with skill and technical ability = Art.

A WORK OF ART! In the top 100 movies of all time in my opinion.
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