DONNIE DARKO (2001) - ILLUSTRATED EXPLANATION

[@19hadley74]

One of the many scenes in this movie that stuck with me is the brief interaction between the teachers where they just mention his name, like they are in on this and somehow shepherding Donnie through the process. Really intriguing.

[@LondonCityGirl]

Yep that scene really sticks with me as well

[@LJScott]

Same, it’s almost as if they are breaking the fourth wall

[@petepan9696]

What scene.

[@JakobeOG]

the Manipulated Dead will subconsiously guide the Living Receiver towards the Ensurement Trap to ensure the fate of the Primary Universe

[@mrevilducky]

​@JakobeOG the teachers are the Manipulated Living

[@TheSuperQuail]

This film fills me with a profound sense of beautiful melancholy.

[@ffejpsycho]

Cellar Door

[@steratorefriends6596]

That's how I feel about hallucinagens

[@jonp3890]

It filled me with a deep, abiding anxiety (which I’m prone to, anyway), up until I learned what it was really about. Now I’m fine with it.

[@Potion_Seller1911]

@@dominickohen8674 are you guys the same homie?

[@Mr.CSwanson]

Yes!

[@alnoiseplaysmc]

This is one of those movies you could watch 100 times and still catch things you never caught previously. An absolute gem.

[@marcelbranchini8098]

I think in the end of the movie, where Donnie is laughting at his bed, before smashed by the jetengine, is that he "knew", or think, that if he decide to jump out of the bed, and survive, he would end up being crazy, just like Mrs. Sparrow. As it's writen in the Chapter 12 (minute 18:42 of the video), he can have dreams about what happend in the Tangent Universe, "[...]Those who remember the journey are often overcome with profud remorse [...]" Thank you so much for the amazing explanation, this movie is totally mind blowing!

[@juanjoseruiz3501]

yeah. like Roberta Sparrow who is obssesed with receiven mail.

[@grezdaed]

@@juanjoseruiz3501 What if she saw into the future and knew about the impending doom of the universe getting destroyed and the only way for it not to happen was for her to check her mail? The only problem is that she doesn't know when she has to check it.

[@artgreg2296]

"MY" interpretation, after having paused the film at the extract of the book of philosophy of time travel is that Donnie darko is (one of) the LIVING RECEIVER (like roberta or justin sparrow). Donnie decides to die in this TANGENT UNIVERSE for reason of sacrifice (otherwise not only his gf gretchen would die instead but also his mother and small sister in the vortex where will disappear the plane on the way back to the dance competition except the jet engine which is THE ARTIFACT). That ARTIFACT i see as the phenomenon opening and closing this TANGENT UNIVERSE simultaneously. The MANIPULATED deads are "for me" the ones who died in this tangeant universe (frank, gretchen, mother and small sister of donnie) but for which their role is to guide the living receiver in correcting the timeline of the PRIMARY UNIVERSE by returning definitely the ARTIFACT into the PRIMARY UNIVERSE

[@MrNoochie7312]

@@artgreg2296 Donnie dies in the Primary Universe, the jet engine was brought from the Tangent (the same plane his mother and sister were aboard). Same reason his whole family was standing outside the house when the accident occurred.

[@mr.peanutbutter6969]

@@grezdaed freaking mind blown. That makes a lot of sense.

[@iJakeCraft]

i love this movie its one of those movies where you have to do some research and reading and rewatching to really understand it which i love

[@TheConspiredOne]

Check out the movie ''Primer".

[@iJakeCraft]

hmm i might

[@TheConspiredOne]

its on youtube to :)

[@haninasuha7407]

i need more suggestions

[@marker113]

cloud atlas

[@natpaulsen8793]

"He has transcended his own mortality." That is the finest explanation I have heard yet and is so succinctly and elegantly explained.

[@lacarpetrondukemarriott]

They say that about Jesus Christ❤️

[@diogen_iz_bochki]

The best and clearest explanation and analysis of "Donnie Darko", I have ever found in KZbin. It was my absolute pleasure to watch this video. I really appreciate your work! Thanks a lot!

[@dantessMG]

from all the explanations that ive seen in youtube, reddit, etc, this was the best

[@boyprince7607]

Agreed

[@sanjeevkumarbauri2394]

Agree

[@luis.aacjara]

I agree. This is the only one that has made me actually understand the movie

[@alfr83]

By far !

[@mahamudbraxteen4434]

At the end of the movie, Donnie reflects on what Gretchen says about how you she wishes you could “replace all the times with pain and darkness with something good”. Donnie used his powers to go back in time with his present memories and accepts his fate.

[@John_Fx]

Gee. Now I want a prequel with Grandma Death's story.

[@legendmaulana4942]

She was tag team with dr.Strange😂 to fight kang the conqueror.

[@TheCharudatta]

Watching this made me realize I understood most of the movie :D Unlike Primer where I understood nothing.

[@TheRobTV]

I rented primer in 2005.. watched it twice and gave up.

[@thetiktokman]

Primer is brilliant. Not everyone has the mind to grasp it.

[@g7924]

lmao u r sooo deep

[@MulliComMedia]

Primer is definitely a movie that you have to read about after you watch. When this movie came out there was no database to break the movie down though. You had to keep rewatching it until all of the moving parts clicked. The plot is straightforward, but the meaning and philosophy behind a lot of the events in the movie is deep.

[@dextermorgan2117]

@@thetiktokman clown

[@rodrigocruz9499]

I couldn't sleep last night trying to understand the implications of this film. I had lots of nightmares because everything seems possible and when it comes to the acceptance of your own fate is what really made me uncomfortable. A nice movie!

[@FretlessMayhem]

I thought it was strongly implied that Frankie Fiedler, who Donnie’s dad mentions, was also a Living Receiver. Alliteration in both names with FF and DD initials, and Frankie is also similar to the name Donnie. His dad said how Frankie was doomed, and he almost thought Donnie was also.

[@danieljohn9257]

Exactly. And being doomed initially feels quite tragic. Naturally, it saddens us to learn of such a thing, especially regarding a loved one. However, as we learn through the events of the film, one man’s doom is the saving grace for many others. Donnie accepts his fate, being both his doom and his destiny in one, as it takes the shape of the wreckage of the plane that killed his mother and little sister. For though they may soon be mourning the loss of their brother and son, they will live. So Donnie is overcome with joy as he dies in bed knowing what his death means for others…even for a girl he loves who he will never know in this lifetime.

[@drendansmada]

@@danieljohn9257beautiful

[@roumonada]

Frank the bunny rabbit is Frankie Fiedler’s son. “My name is Frank. It is the name of my father, and his father before me.”

[@ShiroiTengu]

​@roumonada that doesn't make sense. Frankie Feedler died in high school, even if he had a child at 16-17, Frank's age wouldn't line up. Also Frank the bunny's surname is actually Anderson.

[@TheRealLatrellSpencer]

Shame on everyone else’ lazy 5 minute summaries of this movie . This movie is too complex for that . I just sat here and got the best breakdown ! Thank you for taking all the time to give us this I’m sure it took awhile ! ❤️

[@michaelangio]

this was by far the clearest and best explanation of the film I have come across in all my years of trying to understand this film. well done!

[@btvcast]

I never realized Deus Ex Machin part. I don't think I have ever know that's what he said. These videos are great. Keep up the great work.

[@finyabaser4558]

same. the first time I saw this movie I repeated his words plenty of times and never got what he said... so thanks to this video

[@dextermorgan2117]

That's why they have subtitles 🙄

[@JohnDoe-yi9rm]

It has to do with the theory of the Occult-Freemason that "God" is not actually sentient but an "Artificial Intelligence" or giant computer. Therefore, "God is a Machine" or "God is from the Machine.

[@Sensum-Auxilium]

@@JohnDoe-yi9rmno, it’s a literary trope in which a character is saved from a hopeless situation due to divine intervention

[@jesseantunovich]

@25 seconds has anyone else noticed that when they jump on the trampoline it resembles a clock going back in time. she is jumping counter clockwise as donnie acts as the force in the middle helping her go back in time.

[@levilore_7126]

We found your channel through Primer Explained and just watched Donnie Darko. We literally started screaming when we saw this video pop up bc we loved the first video so much! 7 years later and this video is still helping us out! Thank you London City Girl!!

[@billyllewis]

Donnie Darko is in my top 10 movies of all time list and I feel you did an amazing job explaining this movie. Well done.

[@dvworlds7834]

Fat dude in the track suit had me rolling when I first saw this movie lmfaooo

[@DarlingPhenylethylamine]

He's a government agent. It seems out of context, but it isn't at all. Still funny though.

[@Julianconanhernandez]

The 2nd time in the movie when he comes out right before the Halloween party, I was like what the hell?

[@blacknight2149]

I love that guy too! So funny

[@NASTAR01]

I already loved this film, but re-watching it again after this explanation is gonna be incredibly fascinating

[@mhoppy6639]

Drew Barrymore and Patrick Swayze are total scene stealers in this movie. Both deliver wonderful performances. I also love the version which has Echo and the Bunnymen at the beginning - a great band from my hometown. Check out their back catalogue- it’s amazing 😊

[@ed209inCA]

One of the best explanations I've heard. Just rewatched this movie last night. One thing I just noticed, which is possibly a foretelling of events to come, is during the video introduction of Jim Cunningham's video. After the woman talks about her son wetting the bed, there's a shot of Jim hugging the boy. Right after the hug, Jim slaps the little boy's butt. Knowing his secret makes that pat take on a totally different meaning. Thoughts?

[@ericfreund3496]

VERY well done "CityGirl"! You took your time and explained things very well. Your explanation / breakdown is the best on KZbin (I watched them all.) For me, this movie is a classic, since the viewer is not "spoon fed", and the viewer must think and reason their way through the movie. I own the director's cut and I'm going to show to my family. But first, I wanted them to watch your video, so they can really enjoy the movie even more. Yes, some things will be given away, but this is one of those rare movies in which it is better to get an understanding and know the principles of the movie, before you watch. Once you get a feel of what is happening, you can really appreciate how incredible this movie is. Once again, good job!

[@masterdharun1968]

This is by far the best explanation of Donnie Darko that i have found on the internet.Thanks!

[@Xetorix]

Excellent breakdown of the movie. I enjoyed very much. I 'd like to argue one point though. Almost all people who analyze this film agree on the religious subtext of the movie; Donnie's acceptance of a predestined path (Destiny) set forth by divine intervention (God), to be more precise. However, from my own analysis, this does not seem to be the intended symbolism of the religious subtext. In fact I think it may be the contrary; coming to terms with the fact that there is no predetermined path, we are the masters of our own destiny. For example, Donnie's science teacher explains that a predetermined destiny cannot exist, the reason being that if we were able to see our own destinies we would be given a choice to betray said destiny, therefore making the future an unknown variable since the ability to choose one's own destiny overrides the existence of said destiny as a predetermined one. Donnie is time traveling into the future. He experiences and sees what would happen if he were to make certain choices (He is able to see his future). In the end, he ends up "changing history" by sending the jet engine back into the primary universe (He betrayed his supposed predetermined destiny). Keep in mind the last words spoken by Donnie and the science teacher: "I will not be able to continue this conversation" Which, by the way the conversation is played out, seems to indicate restrain from the professor (Not wanting to spoil the answer to Donnie's questions), rather than ignorance of the subject (Not knowing) or forceful restrain (School politics). What this means, is that the science teacher's words end up predicting the entire ending of the movie and the answer to the question "Is there a divine intervention (God) behind it all?". I think this may have been a subtle hint from the movie's director. Another hint is the religious imagery in the movie itself. Jim Cunningham is a false prophet. Throughout the movie he spreads his ideology and "law", aka, his Love and Fear doctrine, akin to what a false prophet would do. He has an altar in his house, which reveals the way Jim Cunningham sees himself as; a theocratic individual/cult of personality. Kitty Farmer is a religious fanatic. She blindly follows Cunningham's doctrine, ignores all logic and reason when her beliefs in Cunningham are challenged, and opts to ignore factual evidence of her idol being false (The newspaper with Cunningham's expose) in favor of continued support of Cunningham. Notice she is wearing a "God is Awesome!" shirt when explaining she is talking to Donnie's mother and explaining she is going to support Cunningham's defense. Now, this next part might be a stretch, but bare with me. Karen, the art teacher, and the science teacher are the polar opposites of Kitty, the religious fanatic, and Jim Cunningham, the false prophet. Jim Cunningham (He represents religion) offers answers to all of life's questions through an elaborate code of conduct which, as we all know, turns out to be false and too unreal for the complexity that is existence; Life, being so diverse and complex cannot simply be explained by a set of two polar opposites (Love and Fear). This stands in contrast to the science teacher (He himself represents science). The science teacher offers knowledge (hands a book to Donnie), challenges his students (When questioning Donnie about his science project), and restrains from giving answers in favor of letting Donnie figure things out by himself. Kitty represents any person blinded by religion. We see her blindly following Cunningham's doctrine, praising Cunningham himself, dismissing logic and reason when questioned about her beliefs, and outright attacking any other forms of thought that directly affect her beliefs or her idol (When telling Karen to go back to grad school in the PTA meeting). In polar contrast, we see Karen who represents art itself and/or subversion by artistic expression. She is worried about losing young minds to a "prescribed nonsense" (Religious indoctrination as a placebo for the masses), she tries to encourage her students to look past the obvious literal meaning of things and find a deeper or higher meaning in things (The book she reads out loud to the class and questions students about), and we see her pay the ultimate price, she is fired, when those in power (The principal) fail to acknowledge the importance of art as a means of enrichment and liberation. In the end, we see Cunningham and Kitty, the false prophet ,and the religious fanatic, in an unfavorable position when Cunningham is sent to jail, and Kitty is under heavy stress leading her to pursue a fruitless endeavor. Donnie ends up acknowledging the uselessness of pursuing a divine destiny, and instead opts for making those around him happier by leaving them with a life changing lesson (Replacing the memories people have by happier ones), and returning to the past. Ultimately, Donnie doesn't need to die in order for order to be restored, but he chooses to do so, because he knows what will happen already. He experienced first hand the events that could happen if he were to survive (The whole movie itself). He also knows that he could survive, and by not doing what he "supposedly needs/wants to do" (The acts of the movie), he could also change history. However, he chooses to change history AND die. Probably because he has learned to not fear dying alone (So dying now or in 50 years is ultimately pointless for him). Or maybe because he sees dying as a sacrifice for the greater good; remember the conversation he and Gretchen had when they first met "What kind of name is Donnie Darko? Sounds like a super hero" "What makes you think I'm not?". Maybe Donnie sees himself as a hero and chooses to die as a symbolic gesture. In summary: All the religious symbols in this movie are portrayed as misleading, false, unfulfilling, or harmful (Cunningham's dungeon and the dancing girls) while science and art are portrayed as misunderstood, exciting or enticing, and enlightening. So, rather than accepting God's predetermined destiny for Donnie, he opts for a free, self-made destiny. I hope I can get a reply from you @LondonCityGirl

[@hungbahuynh7666]

Holy words.....

[@nezt7848]

Well written

[@PeaceEpieces]

As you said "Donnie's science teacher explains that a predetermined destiny cannot exist, the reason being that if we were able to see our own destinies we would be given a choice to betray said destiny"... But that is not what his science teacher told him. His science teacher told him we can not be allowed to VISUALLY see our path's, if they do in fact exist. Because THEN we could change our destiny. But the key there is "visually" see our paths.. The paths can exist as long as we cant see them. Which no one can, but donnie, who MUST know in order to save the primary universe. Yeah man I really think the point is that Donnie is correct.. Everyone has a pre-set path.. But God does not allow people to see them. Because if people could see their path's they would then have knowledge that God does not have, by being able to alter their destiny.. which God simply doesn't allow. However Donnie MUST visually see these paths in the tangent universe in order to save Gods creation (primary universe) from being destroyed.. Donnie recognizes this, and follows the path God set him on. Leading to his death. Show less

[@PeaceEpieces]

And If there is no predetermined path.. Then what is donnie seeing when an individuals path, himself of other's, is shown visually as a trail of water coming out of a persons chest? He sees his fathers path while his father is still seated in a chair, for example.. Donnie knew his father would get out of his chair at that moment because he visually saw his fathers decision to get up, before it even happened.. Which is confirmation (imo) in predetermined paths

[@negativeindustrial]

+Sam Schutte That seems correct but I would argue that his father's path to the refrigerator is the one path we can be sure Donnie doesn't know because it's the first one he sees and it's obvious he doesn't know what it is until he sees his father follow it. I'd think he probably doesn't know at first what his little sister's path is either but it is, perhaps, the more self explanatory of the two so it's possible he figures it out from there.

[@RS4KING]

I've seen about 3 videos and yours is BY FAR the best explanation. Thank you so much. Plus, your accent/voice was a pleasure to hear.

[@lloganveith5192]

Gosh, thank you for this! I have watched Donnie Darko probably 50 times, for almost 20 years and the more I watch it the more I understand, but the more confused I become. Thank you for the enlightenment!

[@scottdavidson526]

This woman does the best job of explaining the complexities of this Movie.

[@oscarmike1131]

hooray you're back. and excellent breakdown of the movie

[@LondonCityGirl]

+Mike K thanks Mike! :D Appreciate your watching and hope you've been well!

[@ronaldblackburn2483]

After watching this . I’m amazed at the writers and directors genius making this movie .

[@tharun_vk]

This is the only correct and the best unraveling of Donnie Darko in youtube. Good job!!!

[@nesikhaNofret]

Hi LondonCityGirl, that was amazing. Thank you very much. I would like for you to analyze "Inception" if you can. Keep up the good work!

[@LondonCityGirl]

+nesikhaNofret Great suggestion, I've noted it down for a future video - thanks :)

[@myvideos3086]

I could not leave without a comment. This is a perfect explanation of the movie. Great job!

[@maxutendorf1852]

what about the fact that the plane was called RED EYE and frank in the end had a bloody “red eye”

[@JohnDoe-yi9rm]

No tie-in. Frank losing an eye has to do with with the Illuminati-Freemason-Occult symbology of their false one-eye "god". EX: One-eye on the Dollar Bill.

[@I_LOVE_HUMANITY]

@@JohnDoe-yi9rm Please think about what is ordered in these videos This is very important information for you THE REVELATIONS OF GOD !!! He is not the creator of religions!!! The Revelation of Christianity kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2XMl5qho7N-fZo A Revelation about Islam kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2KzlHeFjMdmabM

[@YourMajesty143]

The plane is not called "Red Eye". A red eye flight just refers to a flight that's scheduled to depart at night and arrive the next morning. The term "red-eye" derives from the symptom of having tired sore eyes, which can be caused by not getting enough sleep during the trip.

[@tonyrandall3146]

probably the best ive seen good job !

[@MrJ158n]

This and Primer are two of my favorite films. I love these explanation videos that really break down every moment of these confusing and complex movies.

[@LondonCityGirl]

+J158n you have great taste, these films are two of my favourite films too :D I'm glad you liked the explanation videos!

[@juanjosepatricio6264]

Hey, I'm a huge fan of this. I realize that doesn't qualify me (because I have a bone to pick with your analysis) as an authority in any sort of way. But there's no suggestion whatsoever that the jet engine from the primary universe was some sort of "extra copy" of the original jet engine. I think that's most easily suggested at the very end of the movie as Donnie Watches an airplane, the same one carrying his mother and sister. Feel free to watch it again but the Jet engine NOT being a duplicate actually fits more coherently within your analysis. Otherwise, I think this is great! It's too bad there aren't more movie which actually provoke more emotion and conversation. Keep it up!

[@_Reverse_Flash]

This movie is just about accepting death in the metaphysical sense rather than running from it and how if a person runs from difficult things in life they box themselves into an unstable collapsing situation or "universe". It is a metaphor you see.

[@chumbersdee]

Great video. This movie, like a good album, i could watch over and over. No joke, there was a time when i watched it like 4 nights in a row, each time picking up more details.

[@johnedwards4394]

I completely underestimated this movie. The philosophy behind it is profound and it captures the comings and goings of people's lives that we take for granted.

[@adarshdwivedi437]

My first search and this first video .. provided me the clearest explanation of DDarko. Great content 👍 Thanks.

[@prathamagarwal8135]

There are many parts about frank that I still have doubts about, practically, "Frank" is killed by donnie and he time travels back into time, to save donnie from being killed by the plane engine in the tangent universe. So, we can conclude Frank essentially got the power to go back in time due to donnie killing him. However, in timeline 1: if the plane engine infact does fall on donnie in the tangent universe then frank shouldn't have existed, he shouldnt have been able to go back in time. I am unable to comprehend Frank's existence.

[@itsslitt]

Dude same ! I’m trying so hard to figure this out I know I’m late but yeah how does Frank make Donnie kill him to be able to go back ? That would mean that Donnie already didn’t die from the engine ? Or is there two franks ! One with the powers and knowledge of everything as the tangent universe was made same way how Donnie entered the tangent universe as basically the chosen one to save the real world ?

[@coded_space7677]

From the way I understand is he is a fourth dimensional being who can experience all of time all at once the way Quantum mechanics explains it, time ISN'T linear in reality we only experience it that way because we simply can't experience it any other way. Frank at that point had always been killed so he could save Donnie before Donnie had the chance to kill Frank. Frank had to exist so Donnie could kill Frank one cannot exist without the other which means that Frank has to be 4th dimensional. I believe this is also why other people can't see Frank and Donnie can

[@prathamagarwal8135]

@@coded_space7677 I only get the gist of what you are saying...in the end it is all due to Frank being a 4th Dimension Being but how did he become a 4th dimension being? I pardon you for my lack of knowledge and wonder if you could explain in simpler terms please?

[@coded_space7677]

@@prathamagarwal8135 Unfortunately I'm not really sure how to because I don't have the answers myself, which I think is kinda the point of the movie. Just like we don't have a reason why the tangent universe was created it just was. He best answer I can come up with is because of the "Manipulator" or "God" as the most prevalent theory suggests. I wish I could be of more help but to be honest, one of the main reasons I love this movie so much is because a large part of the story is ambiguous

[@prathamagarwal8135]

@@coded_space7677 I see mate. Thank you.

The best explanation on youtube for that movie. Thank you

[@LondonCityGirl]

+Ivan José Lopes you're welcome, and thank YOU for watching and commenting :)

[@dazpar88]

Thank you for this and answering a 15 year question about this movie.

[@iysil]

This is the best explanation of the movie I've seen on the Internet. Thanks

[@Erox006]

saw your video about quantum mechanics two nights ago because i was playing bioshock infinite and wanted to know a little more , already had tiny knowledge about quantum mechanics before but never knew about the measurement problem and learning about it changed my view on things/universe forever from then , I'm a 3rd year Medical Student but now for the past three days I'm completely hooked on learning about quantum physics instead of studying my actual medical subjects xD , it's just like how you said in your video - the springboard ..... Thank you . and is it a coincidence that you are back in youtube right after a few days you changed a man's entire view on life and universe ? aaaaaand as i just read - according to your response in a comment , you are of my homeland - Bangladesh .... 2 coincidences ..... the probabilities are ..... idk what to say really xD Keep up the good work :)

[@LondonCityGirl]

+Alam_X haha, yes, a universe full of coincidences! I'm pleased you found the video interesting - Physics is a big hobby of mine so I can completely understand how it could be distracting you from medicine ;)

[@IronElbow91]

This is the best vid I've watched that explains everything in this film. One of my favorites ever.

[@SFArasTMToomuchslays]

This amazing complexity is why Donnie darko is my favourite movie of all time :}

[@tej1337]

Of all the explanations over various platforms, this is by far the best.

[@andrewstarman7485]

Very interesting interpretation of one of the best films of the 2000s

[@duantorruellas716]

london city girl , great video , im glad he wasn't just crazy. your explanation makes me realize all the facets that made up this deep film that went unnoticed by most when the film played in the early 2000s. The scientific and theological concepts seemed lost at the time in the mtv fluff of this adolescent suburbia. still remains a favorite of mine because of the era. thx for the in depth probe.

[@amalliar3794]

This is what happens when you read quantum physics while on LSD. Don't do that kids...

[@seanhart9706]

Have you ever tried to read while on lsd?

[@darrenolson8289]

you don't read quantum physics while on LSD, you are downloaded the entire library.

[@serconjonnington3542]

@@seanhart9706 Yes, it is more difficult to do. Darts is weirdly unaffected.

[@newbornassassin7291]

Reading while on a micro dose of lsd is pretty nice

[@NW-iw2rb]

Sean Hart yeah it's great

[@junkheadINC]

absolutely amazing discription. I have tried over and over to explain this film to others....after watching it over 10xs to actually get a handle on it, but with zero success. This is perfect and exactly what I believe to be what the film is about!

[@xavaran6030]

Damn I love your videos! You have a nice and clear voice, and you are also great at explaining stuff thoroughly. It's a crime that you only have 15k subs :( Anyway keep up the great work and you will have 1 million subs in no time.

[@LondonCityGirl]

+Xavaran thank you so much - this comment has made my day as I find voice overs pretty challenging to do :) I'm so pleased that you think I explain things thoroughly - I spend a lot of time writing my script as I want to make sure I cover as much detail as clearly as possible so it's awesome to read your comment :D

[@kenji960]

very well-constructed movie analysis. Thank you for this, I love the film and the characters.

[@nicknyse]

Your channel is great -- KEEP GOING!!

[@1958darkstar]

This is the best video explanation I've ever seen for this movie. Thanks for the post!

[@deninakonecni9039]

Please, please, please for the love of all that is holy, please make an explanation for Mulholland Drive.

[@LondonCityGirl]

It's on it's way! :) I have it edited and ready to go but slight delay because I have a bunch of freelance projects on at the moment which has taken over my entire life, lol. Thank you for commenting!

[@deninakonecni9039]

+LondonCityGirl You're amazing! I pretty much have that whole movie figured out except for that homeless ruler of my nightmares.

[@xandr13]

Ok, now I'm subscribing!

[@realw1ll]

LondonCityGirl thank you for uploading Mulholland drive :)

[@Marifofa73]

Deni Nakonecni inii

[@ap222ap]

The best Donnie Darko explanation video I have seen in 2 decades!

[@abhinandanvig4372]

You got a subscriber girl ...seriously love the explanation of donnie darko ..:) surely will spread the word.. thumbs up :)

[@LondonCityGirl]

+Abhinandan Vig thank you! I'm glad you liked the explanation video as there are more on the way :D

[@abhinandanvig4372]

Ya..I love the explanation for primer too..can you do it for memento..I already saw couple other explanation..but may be you will do in a different way...;)

[@knuckle12356]

Director's cut makes a huge difference in understanding the film's subtleties. My favorite bit is when Donnie cracks the water main, and the director is going in depth on all these implied things about Donnie gaining power and mastery over time travel, and the other guy on the commentary is just like.....uh, yeah... _so_ clear. O.o

[@pdg61met]

I think Donnie laughing in the end is solely that he thought he had dreamed all of this and was humored by it. He then felt a sign of relief and went to sleep thinking the outcome in the dream wasn't real when in fact it was

[@Thundertoast123]

The best explanation of this movie. I've always loved this movie but never completely understood it. Thank you so much!

[@nikhilraj1180]

Excellent explanation ! every question answered.. But, some still remains.. *) How did Grandma Death know that she would recieve a letter ? if she had, she might have known that the tangent universe has been created, and she's in it...

[@Preokthe5]

This is amazing. This video has a bunch of theory content I've agreed with for a long time, while having a bunch more i wasn't sure about, but now after watching, agree with/ can see agreeing with. You're channel,just from watching this one video, is waaaay underrated!

[@LondonCityGirl]

+Preokthe5 thank you! This comment just made my day :D

[@Preokthe5]

No problem,have a good one!

[@thurstonstone4457]

So, time corrupts, creates a tangent universe with an extra artifact, then a hero uses fire, water, and telekinesis to create a time portal to send the artifact back and prevent the destruction of everything. That's pretty intense. On a side note, the receiver was said to have mind control powers. There was no point that ever happened, was there? It seems strange that they would mention it and not use it (unlike each other part).

[@theneighbor4209]

Wew Lad also, when the teacher mentions cellar door to Donnie

[@ill4mz54]

Thurston Stone seems more like to me a challenge of man not witb faith in god but the love of others. Look at those who would be affected had donnie not fixed the time portal. He wouldve died anyway had he not learned how to return the artifact. In the end donnie died no matter what. Then there are the aspects that follow the concept od subconscious dreams. Love this film

[@beautifuldisaster139]

he flooded the school w water he also put an axe through solid brass & there’s the fire & last he manipulated the engine at the end

[@scotscub76]

This is amazing. I've just fallen in love with this film again. Thank you x

[@microfg4]

This movie is actually easier to follow than I expected, I could figure out most of the things explained without the need for the extended cut. If the first time you watch the movie and get to the fisrt time they mention time travel... its easy to assume everything might be an alternate univers or at least a dream after the jet engine scene.

[@ZillMob]

Well thank you for the best explanation I've seen of this movie. I think I finally understand it now. Well done

[@ishaansejpal249]

This is the first video of this length thar I've watched till the very end. Thank you so much! I was so confused I couldn't process the film. I think one problem layman viewers are going to have with this film is that this film isn't obvious about its narrative or the situation it keeps in front of the viewers. It's almost as if the viewers have to connect dots themselves and maybe watch videos like this to understand the layers. Looking at Jake's acting I was no way sure about him controlling the activities. As I said, the film could be a little more generous with the storytelling but otherwise it's a total mindfuck!!!

[@5178chuck]

WOW!!! This is by far the best hypothetical explanation and certainly the most interesting explanation to the meaning of Donnie Darko.

[@huonsmith]

I just realised that his science teacher may not have been just referring to his job as a teacher when he said he could lose his job. Maybe he also meant that he could lose his job as one of the manipulated.

[@Hazylittlething]

This video was so on point. I’ve watched this movie a million times and it makes a little more sense each time but I’ve never seen it done side by side with the book like this. Thank you so so much 🙏🏼

[@memeswereablessingfromthel3942]

My favorite movie of all time! It's almost as if the movie was made specifically for me (obviously I don't believe that). I consider everything from the plot, location and characters as perfect...I also share an almost identical personality with Donnie, which I've never previously encountered. If you come across this comment and have any recommendations, please share.

[@goulzz9684]

are you also a paranoid schizophrenic

[@mininunidee4672]

Might I recommend "Triangle (2009)". I Am curious what your thoughts are

[@LeahIsHereNow]

There’s not a movie quite like Donnie Darko, but some of my other favorites are The Nines with Ryan Reynolds, Inception, and most recently everything everywhere all at once. The Marvel series Legion and Watchmen (I didn’t care for the movie much comparatively) are also great for deep thinkers!

[@LeahIsHereNow]

@@mininunidee4672 A new movie to check out! Hooray! Thank you!

[@russellst.martin4255]

Hands down best analysis I've seen.

[@JtheBurger]

I believe Donnie died in the end because there was not Frank to wake him up and save him. After he sent the jet engine back in time, the Tangent Universe closed and we are back in the Primary Universe. Donnie probably doesn't remember his experiences in the Tangent Universe clearly enough or doesn't have enough time to escape. Him laughing is probably at the feeling of saving the universe. I'd be pretty stoked if I literally saved the universe in a dream.

[@theleonpasta7336]

I feel like Donnie remembers his time in the tangent universe, but chooses not to escape his own demise because he knows its necessary and needs to be done. Or atleast thats my best guess lol

[@pandora4263]

I loved your explanation. I love that different views on Donnie Darko don't necessarily deny each other. I feel like we as watchers are donnie, the way the movie begins and ends made me feel like i was part of it. The moments it felt real, and the moments it was clearly a dream, were the level of lucidity donnie was in. He could be me being lucid im my dreams, and the end of the universe is the end of one fictional universe. Thats crazy ik but i felt it was like that to me and itd beautiful either way.

[@awaken_the_dreamers_8475]

I'm absolutely obsessed with the concept of time .

[@fuzzygarf]

me too man

[@jacobgrab7900]

Time is unnatural. Time is man-made. Made by The Freemasons.

[@jessemayra]

Excellent work!

[@timshift2395]

what about in the theater when frank tells donnie that he is the son of frank?

[@alymetz2020]

tim shift maybe Frank was originally a time traveler? Idk. There are a million possibilities

[@jacobhipkins4444]

Ig he technically created him in that universe

[@dalelarson5274]

I think the implication was that he was named after his father who was named after his grandfather.

[@bledonyou]

@@dalelarson5274 No, Frank says ''it was my fathers name, and his father before ME'' rather than ''his father before him.''

[@thomasbrown8468]

You opened my mind back to d darko I have thought of this for years and thought I really got it. You have turned my brain upside down again. Thanks. Really enjoyed the video and explanation theory. It seems to stick. ❤

[@PeaceEpieces]

Awesome vid. One thing im hung up on is this.. at 15:30 you say all the manipulated are trying to assist donnie in sending the jet back to the primary universe... but earlier in sparrows book at 6:14 it says "Those surrounding the living reciever, known as the manipulated will fear him and try to destroy him"... isnt that a conflicting theory?

[@bisto55]

Those people you speak of are in the film as the 'bullies' who seem to deliberately hate donnie from the start without apparent reason. And even attempt to kill him near the end without any motives. Aswell the obvious fear the Chinese fat girl has for donnie, running away from when all he does is be nice to her. The reason the rest of the characters do not fear or hate donnie is because they had strong enough memories from themselves in the primary universe of donnie. As the film describes you are either fear or love and due to those characters being close with donnie, they love him, hence try to help him.

[@PeaceEpieces]

bisto55 yo yeah but when you say " The reason the rest of the characters do not fear or hate donnie is because they had strong enough memories from themselves in the primary universe of donnie.".. Cuz im confused about that. So that implies that the tangent universe is full of people who knew each other in the primary.. same neighborhood same school ect.. But did the movie let us know how long the big Chinese girl had attended the school? Im not sold that she knew Donnie before they met for the first time in the tangent.. i.e what if it was her first year there and they met for the first time in the movie

[@bisto55]

Sam Schutte Yes im not really sure why the other characters do not fear donnie. Im sure theres a reasonable explanation that most people miss out on when watching the film. I guess youll just have to make your own explanation and take it with a grain of salt, as a movie about paralegal universes is never going to be strictly logical.

[@negativeindustrial]

+Sam Schutte You can tell she not only knew Donnie but was secretly in love with him by her book cover - remember?

[@aaronherondale3934]

I think maybe since Gretchen and Frank were the manipulated dead, that's why they didn't fear him- because they knew what was going to happen already. And since Grandma Death was also a Living Receiver in the past, she recognizes what's going on- also knowing to help out Donnie. But: his parents are unnerved by his problems, his sister always fights with him, his teacher doesn't continue the conversation with him anymore, the motivational speaker doesn't like him, the bullies who aren't manipulated dead obviously hate him, etc.

[@fatoumfatoumeh]

I watched this movie in 2007, then I went to the website to get some explanation, and immediately rewatched it for a 2nd time. Amazing movie. Definitely in my top 3 favorites.

[@darrenfreyauthor]

I can't help but feel that if Donnie had left his house for any other reason than Frank leading him out, the entire story would make sense but because Frank time traveled to make Donnie survive in order to go on and later kill him it makes absolutely no sense, even with everything else that happens.

[@jasonbourne6297]

Frank wasn't literally there then, it was a symbol of his destiny.

[@juliawidmaier5334]

I agree, this is where I'm lost on it. Why did Frank save Donnie only for Donnie to go back and die anyway? If Frank hadn't guided him out the result would have been the same.

[@lawson4657]

@@juliawidmaier5334 if frank didn’t get donnie to leave his house, he would die in both universes but the second universe would destroy the pimary one along with it, donnie had to die in order to save the world and frank knew this

[@salmon_wine]

@@lawson4657 furthermore, Donnie chooses to die at the end of the film because of the way that the Tangent Universe plays out in parallel to the Primary Universe. If Donnie lived in the primary universe, some events would likely occur to lead to Gretchen's death at Frank's hands, then Frank's death at Donnie's hands. Basically, I see it as Donnie valuing two human lives over his one life, which wouldnt even have much of a future anyways if he ended up a killer.

[@claireramirez1990]

thank you so much for this video, it's far better explained than any other video or post on the internet. that's rlly all I needed to understand this movie thoroughly

[@DivineKnight_115]

Has anyone else had the dreams of the alternate universe happen to them? When I was 14 or 15, I don't remember which specifically, I woke up going about my life but feeling like everything was on fast forward, but living the best life I could have asked for. I had a family, and financially stable, with a wife and 2 kids, I think both daughters but was cut short when a burglar broke into my house and I die of a gunshot wound defending my family. I tell my wife with my dying breath, it's alright, and I was happy with the life I lived as its all temporary anyway. Then suddenly I woke up back as a teenager around 3 to 4 in the morning with cold sweat and still feeling the gunshot wound in my chest. Then I took several deep breaths and realized it was a strange dream, but an extremely detailed one, almost like a virtual reality simulation. If anyone has had some weird shit like this happen to them please share it, cause I can't be the only one who has had this happen...

[@alymetz2020]

BMT115 something like this happened to me, although I was in an entirely different dimension and they were trying to keep me there.. I kept saying I had to go, that i didn’t want to stay, and I couldn’t wake up. I kept saying I needed to go (from where I was in my dream, it felt okay at first, and then I started getting scared) my mom needed me. I then noticed these beings were annoyed with me, didn’t say anything and gestured to an exit. And I left through the door and immediately woke up. This was when I was VERY young. Maybe not even 6 or so. I still remember until this day. I feel like we can travel to different dimensions through our subconscious in dreams (astral projection) as well.

[@mrevilducky]

Our imaginations are powerful things

[@bobafeet1234]

Excellent video, one the most comprehensive explanations I've seen about this movie. What an incredible film!

[@Neon_Ghost1]

I thought it was made pretty clear that Donnie sacrificed himself because his survival of the engine crash is what kicked off all the terrible events so he decided to close that loop He would die so that everyone he loved could live specifically his girlfriend

[@LeahIsHereNow]

That was my interpretation… He sacrificed himself for love essentially.

[@Charles12]

i guess not. seems stupid but richard kellys follow up film southland tales is even stupider.

[@Neon_Ghost1]

Southland Tales is a masterpiece and no slander of it will be tolerated here@@Charles12

[@horam07]

Best Donnie Darko explanation video on youtube! Just Perfect!

[@JustinDeFouw]

Just one note about the end of of the video where Donnie did not decide to save himself. Donnie has two decisions . 1. Put the artifact somewhere it will not kill him and live. Or 2. Die. In opt 2 giving his own life he saves Gretchen. That is why Donnie is happy and laughing before his death.

[@hittelman]

This was so helpful , I loved this movie, but your insight and commentary made me like it even more, cannot wait to watch it again with the new view :)

[@sunday6217]

i think i need to watch this movie 2nd time with more focus..

[@chumbersdee]

Weed helps too : )

[@HexMark12]

Does it put you on a downer though? I was thinking of doing that.

[@chumbersdee]

Youll appreciate the art and the flow better. Make sure to watch the original version and not the directors cut. He tried to add too much extra detail to the directors cut, and the beauty of the original was lost.

[@hypnos9336]

@@chumbersdee that's not really great advice to give people. it might help a minority of people but most people that smoke aren't trying to do anything intellectual, and this is coming from somebody that loves to blaze

[@wondafulweasel]

These illustrations helped. Thank you !

[@tygra2886]

I think that the entire movie is somehow „Looped". Let me explain this: all of us seen the ending, (SPOILER) Donnie is dead, everyones cry. But what if...What if He's not dead, but he again awakes on this road from the beggining of the entire movie, and everything repeat infinitely, but in different, infinite universes?

[@beatrizdossantos3938]

damn that's a possibility

[@sambenton514]

i was thinking about this too but then i remembered you see his body being carried out. would be cool tho

[@tygra2886]

@@sambenton514 " you see his body being carried out." Yeah but it might be a case of something like "Groundhog Day" (or in this case - Groundhog (almost a) month) - In Groundhog day, Phil commits suicide in one of his "loops" - From what i remember, we see his body in a mourge...And then he wakes up in his bed. It might be a case of his "soul" traveling between numerous versions of himself, and not remembering anything that happened

[@Buzza235]

A very well thought out analogy of one of my favourite films. Thanks for untangling the web that I have never found before that has gone into such important detail elsewhere. 👌🏼👍

[@ThomasVanHoesenDeadpooliscool]

No, I think what caused the tangent universe in the first place was when Donnie didn't die which created an alternate reality than the predestined one, which is why it becomes a completely new universe - because the primary universe is predestined - and the whole reason the tangent universe exists is because of Frank who died in the normal universe and travelled back in time to save Donnie which created the tangent universe and placed those events inside of it which is not only a time paradox but also makes the whole existence of the tangent universe a paradox.

[@aceatkins191]

awesome sauce!

[@ThomasVanHoesenDeadpooliscool]

thanks

[@bisto55]

This is what I thought aswell which explains why donnie did not wish to save himself when he traveled back to the parallel universe.

[@ThomasVanHoesenDeadpooliscool]

bisto55 yeah, this video gives an interesting opinion on it though.

[@bransonturner]

Yes, this bugged me the first (and only) time I saw the movie. I thought this video might clear it up, but for me it doesn't. Frank pulls him out of bed, but if he'd just left him in bed the whole thing could have been avoided.

[@antonyriley1854]

Incredible analysis. Thank you for this!!

[@AlchemicalForge91]

My question is how many times did Donnie possibly repeat those 28 days with no memory. Like Groundhog Day.. perhaps he was in one of many iterations of this month and finally overcame himself.

[@docpremanand]

Thanks for the exposition. It was of great help in understanding this awesome movie.