WTF Happened to Donnie Darko?

[@trinaq]

That "Head Over Heels" montage is gorgeously filmed, and all shot with one continous take, and no cuts. Easily one of the most iconic scenes.

[@Axolotl_Mischief]

Except when Daveigh Chase whiffs that high five...that always bugs me lol

[@freshparkfilms]

one of my favorite scenes ever

[@ThruThaRoofComedy]

Like how they re did it in stranger things

[@richmackin]

Yes yes yes!

[@johnfarrell851]

Yah

[@RamseyDewey]

I first saw (and heard of) this movie when the director’s cut was playing at a small art house theater. I had no idea what I was walking into. And throughout the entire runtime, all I could think was “This movie is far better than any movie has a right to be.”

[@Axolotl_Mischief]

Too bad you saw that cut first. I saw it while it was in theaters and thought it was nowhere near as excellent as the original release.

[@zillsburyy1]

directors cut is shit. they took out the good music!

[@evanmiller4502]

@@zillsburyy1 directors cut is the best way to experience this film

[@GregHuffman1987]

directors cut sucks. original is way better. music in dc sucks so bad

[@zillsburyy1]

@@GregHuffman1987 people dont realize. directors cut means they CUT out all the good stuff

[@dubdaze68]

I remember watching it for the first time, and when finished, I had to watch it again, because it was that damned good. Every watch gives you new insights and theories, and the cinematography and music were just spot on. And Gary Jules version of "Mad World" puts the song on its head.

[@mbryson2899]

The "Mad World" video was haunting, too.

[@sixthgear5874]

Same here, I watched it two times in a row and the only reason I’m sad about it is it’s not longer

[@GerhardtFox]

It’s so romantic. It draws me into this existential agony and passion that feels like a place separate from the world.

[@steve_bisset]

This commentary overlooks the Donnie Darko website, which back in 2001/2002 was absolutely ground breaking for web content. It was like trying to navigate through clouds and portals to get into the site, and when it loaded you found the Philosophy of Time Travel excerpts which explained the movie. To say I love this movie is an understatement.

[@anadraham2995]

That website blew the pockets off my dungarees - i went to Hastings video every day in March of 2002 to rent it but they only had 2 📀 copies and it was always out. Took me almost 2 weeks to procure. The back of the DvD is hilarious, talkin' bout "In the tradition of Stir of Echoes..." Ha! I'm all like chut up‼️

[@jennifermel687]

Yes that page was so eerie!😆

[@onemorechris]

i just commented the same thing! i met the guy that made the site a couple of times. Very interesting individual

[@blueskyla7978]

Oh I remember that. It really brought more conversation to the table when trying to figure it out.

[@mattgilbert7347]

Loved that site.

[@guitargodthor2]

Sam Raimi is an absolute legend for letting his footage be used for free!

[@SamskaraOrigin]

*Fantastic. Not only is it a groundbreaking, thought provoking and excellent movie, it survived studio shinanigans and the most unfortunate release date imaginable, it really solidifies how incredible this movie is. I need to see Richard Kelly's sequel.*

[@T0xXx1k]

It's not good. It would've been better left alone. 🤷🏼‍♀️ 🧡🦇

[@sakethramponnaluri4751]

Wow, many great directors like sam raimi and Christopher nolan helped to complete this film. James Cameron urged kelly to work on the Sequel. Now that's really something.

[@jonvia]

Donnie Darko reminds me a lot of Fight Club. Great themes and great videography and imagery.

[@seanwieland9763]

Donnie Darko, American Beauty, Fight Club, The Matrix, and American Psycho really captured the spirit of the early 2000s. It was the brief moment Gen X actually held some sway influencing pop culture, until the Millennials pushed them out through sheer numbers.

[@foscojenkins6877]

I always loved the soundtrack to this movie.

[@scottv8124]

It's a spiritual journey about time and love. It's spoke to me like no other piece of art. The music, cinematography, acting and story are perfect

[@thru_and_thru]

Wow this was awesome, well done! I remember seeing this movie for the first time about 3 years after it came out. I rented the DVD while I was in my first week of college. It completely blew me away and I could not even figure out why...just mesmerized me. I was obsessed with it for many years after. I am gonna watch it again this week for the first time in well over 10 years after seeing this vid. Such a cult masterpiece.

[@popculture70]

This movie is awesome... and it has Love Will Tear Us Apart by Joy Division in it, which makes it extra awesome.

[@GramGreeneCam]

i am a freak for Donnie Darko and have been for 15 years of my life. I know all the trivia but that part with Christopher Nolan is something I did not know before. thanks for sharing and making that connection :)

[@WillJBailey]

A classic. Was indeed a hit in the UK at the time, saw it at the cinema and loved it. Don’t make a sequel though Richard Kelly - leave it be, it’s perfect as it is.

[@amazingbecka1]

They did make a shitty sequel and it had the actress who plays his little sister. It’s hot trash.

[@darklordcognus]

@@amazingbecka1 if you watched the video the writer and director of Donnie Darko had nothing to do with the sequel at all

[@amazingbecka1]

@@darklordcognus haha I should have watched the whole video before commenting

[@trevor2001]

You skipped the fact the Gary Jules cover of “Mad World” was a huge Christmas single in UK, which drove some of the theater ticket sales.

[@timchorle]

This has to be the only movie that I didn't understand, but enjoyed and liked anyway.. subsequent rewatches still left me confused, but perhaps that's just the way cult-classics are.

[@solarvoid777]

I saw this movie for the first time when I was 13 years old after my mom told a story about renting it with her friend and watching it twice in a row and still coming out of the experience having no idea what the hell it was actually about. I remember thinking "I've GOT to see this movie!" And quickly became obsessed. I watched it at least 5 times that year and told as many of my friends about it as I could. In hindsight, maybe it wasn't the best movie for a young teen to be obsessing over, but it definitely shaped my love for unsettling and bizarre films.

[@Negative.headspace]

I love the fact moments before he died he smiled, like he knew he was about to be free.

[@briandowers9486]

Drew Barrymore screaming at the box office numbers had me rolling. Great editing.

[@spicymickfool]

Great video! Learned a lot about one of my favorites I didn't already know. Hadn't realized Drew Barrymore did so much behind the camera.

[@TheArtofGuitar]

One of my favorite films of all time, and I've seen so many.

[@itsjessguys7005]

One of my earliest memories as a child was this film trailer, it stuck with me for 13 years until I finally watched it as a adult. Definitely deserves the praise

[@carlisleorama]

My favorite thing about this movie is actually how unresolved the ending feels. So mysterious! I love when things are left to my own interpretations. I'd be into 10 part or more streaming sequel series :) a movie would be cool too, but I don't like most movies and I love the pacing of modern prestige television.

[@ashtonturner2862]

This film was very popular when it came out on DVD. It was in heavy circulation when I was in college. Huge cult following.

[@johnnydeleon8210]

Learning of a possible Donnie Darko mini series sequel was not on my bingo card for 2022 but wow am I hyped for any talk about a sequel, great insightful video!

[@joeblow9210]

A classic, terrific movie. Whoever said jet engines don't fall off planes obviously forgot one of the worst crashes at Chicago's O'Hare in 1979. I still recall that one.

[@poozizzle]

One of my favorite movies! I used to live in LA down the street from some of the filming locations, "Hey cool, I walk that way to the store! "

[@chrislawuk]

The score is also a big highlight for me. I’ll have to try rewatching the Director’s Cut again, because after falling in love with the original theatrical cut, I found the Director’s Cut to be paced all wrong and - well I just didn’t enjoy it. Perhaps I was just too stoned. But either way, everything about Donnie Darko is awesome (apart from maybe S.Darko). This video was the first I heard of a true sequel being in the works - I hope it happens, and happens according to the director’s intent, because that guy clearly knows what TF he is doing ;)

[@RedMeansRecording]

The directors cut of this film sucks everything that makes it good right out of it. So glad I saw the theatrical cut first. Amazing movie.

[@positivetakes5592]

I'd love essentially a 4 hour TV sequel with today's production quality.

[@vampirascoffin870]

Well they are doing a sequel a " true sequel " so....

[@positivetakes5592]

@@vampirascoffin870 yeah, I'm saying I'd be here for it

[@Etanial]

This is one of those movies that I just can't put on in the background. I have to shut off all the lights, and make sure the house is quiet before hitting play. Definitely watched this film at just the right time in my life, and related to it in such a weird way. One of my all time favorites

[@amcburger]

This is my favorite movie of all time and made me think of movies differently

[@DarkTypeWriter]

This movie is a stand-alone epic masterpiece. Self-contained, as it should be. However... a separate 12 episode one season series that explores it's concepts set in the "Darko-universe" -- perhaps just centered around /involving the school, the teachers, the time-travel book, and the mailbox would be something interesting. Or not.

[@deandevonport275]

My favourite movie of all time with possibly the best soundtrack of all time (Yes I am from the UK ;) )

[@anmael3544]

I think a series follow-up would be best. They would have a good deal more time to show the story, and I bet they have more to say than a typical 2 hour movie would allow...

[@witwicky735]

Totally agreed. Look at Haunting of Hill House. The rather amazing restart of that tale for a modern palate

[@DBUCKS1988]

A mini series would be sick. They could really expand on things and bring things to a natural conclusion. Instead of having to rush with a movie, or have to alter the original product so hard to get multiple seasons out of it.

[@jonathanforeman3270]

No. It needs to be left alone. Kelly has made two movies that sit in the same concept. South land Tales and The Box. Both deal with prophecy and water as a means of dimension travel. If you’re a fan, just continue to rewatch his films. You’ll see the universe he’s created. Without it being potentially ruined

[@TeatroGrotesco]

Not every thing needs an expanded universe some things are better because they ended....like when star wars had an ending or GOT or Lord of the rings. They need to just end and be a whole story otherwise it just runs on and on until the Teller and.listener are booooored of it.

[@darlingquincie9030]

My older brother always told me a few movies really change your perspective on life, Donnie Darko was definitely one of them.

[@jakubpustulka6160]

And what about the others? film if I may ask

[@darlingquincie9030]

@@jakubpustulka6160 Pulp fiction for sure, the master, life aquatic, Royal tenenbaums. Many more plus a lot of the classics. 80s was a great time

[@p5ych0p4th]

I remember watching „The Butterfly Effect“ and quite liking it. When I went online to se what people thought about it, everyone was just saying how much it sucks and how much better Donnie Darko is. Anyway. That’s how I found out about Donnie Darko 😅

[@amazingbecka1]

I love them both. I don’t think they’re even remotely comparable.

[@Nick-zn1vj]

@@amazingbecka1 exactly

[@erickelm4974]

Man I have always loved this movie. Learning all of this makes it even more impressive... I am very curious how a sequel would play out.

[@dylanlancaster9895]

Absolutely one of the best movies ever made.

[@AlmostEthical]

After seeing what has happened to other stories when adapted to TV series, I think a movie sequel would be best, but only if RK has control. DD had an amazing bizarre vibe, so that would be good to revisit.

[@MrOctober44]

You would have thought Richard Kelly would have become one of the best directors and screen writers.....

[@glazdarklee1683]

I loved this movie. Part of the appeal was figuring out exactly what it was intended to mean.

[@cloudbloom]

I always recommend people watch the theatrical cut instead of the directors cut, only because the directors cut completely changed the music placement which gave it a different feel than the theatrical version

[@petergivenbless900]

Yeah, I'm torn; the restored scenes really flesh out and enhance the story but the musical changes do fuck with the magic atmosphere of the original (theatrical) cut. One of thosr cases where I would opt for a custom edit that preserves the original soundtrack while including the additional material.

[@onemorechris]

agreed. the original cut and the music are perfect. the extra stuff and changes takes away from the film imo

[@aricbathory7212]

The end of your music loop reminds me of the music during the psycho mantis scene in mgs1

[@aveadonat9378]

i just watched the movie like yesterday and then you made this lmao

[@kappashotcigsmoke2107]

I remember when I first watched this movie, it straight up changed my life.

[@mesaana1112]

I love this movie so much. So glad to see something like this on it! My ex worked at blockbuster when it came out and I worked there for the directors cut. It's good on its own but the directors cut makes it so much better. This will always be one of my favorites. I hope he does make a sequel.

[@connykomen4237]

one of the best movies ever made. Every high school kid must watch.... Piece of art! About a sequel movie of serie? I dont want any of that. Donnie Darko is a masterpiece that can not be transcended.

[@viktechnicalgamereviews5545]

Request: Hostage 2005 the best movie you never saw!

[@markginther6088]

I had always thought the 6-foot rabbit was a reference to the 1950 film Harvey. A dark twisted version of the pooka.

[@LetsGetitBoah]

A lot of people don’t seem to realize that there is a love story at the core of this movie. Everything starts due to some strange timeline, reality incident which caused a plane crash and somehow sees the engine of said plane go through a portal which mysteriously is meant to kill Donnie. Problem is, Donnie always escapes death somehow and causes a time ripple which repeats itself unless he actually dies. Which is why the movie opens up with him waking up, looking at the sky and laughing, because he woke up from him failing to correct the distortions and knew it, at least partially knew it. Obviously he dodges it in early in the movie before we know what’s happening. That’s where he meets the bunny who explains how much time he has to correct it all. The entire reason why Donnie refused to correct the timeline, and allow himself to die, is because it would stop him from ever meeting the love of his life. Which is why the end of the movie is so sad, and ends with His lover asking who he was, and what had happened. This is acknowledged by the mother, who recognizes her and starts waving at her, even though in this timeline she has never seen her. Everybody that was involved with this had recollections of the alternate timelines because they too and had lived them over and over. While they couldn’t remember exactly what was going on, bits and pieces had carried over from the other timelines. In all, Donnie had to die, so that reality and especially his love could live. He refused to let go, and continually failed to correct the distortion because of her and the fact they could never live happily ever after together. ❤ Eventually he realized this and accepted his fate. Hence why he was laughing just before he died. For one he accepted his fate and two he knew he did the right thing.

[@JaneAxon123]

So many times on youtube I come to to find out that a movie that me and my friends all went to see and loved when it was released in cinemas in New Zealand and assume were instantly appreciated everywhere as cinematic classics, actually didn't do well in the US at the time. The mass audiences they use as a gauge of success aren't the ones who they need to aim the marketing for these kind of movies at, so they shoot themselves in the foot and end up with no audience. I also come to find out that what seemed like a perfectly planned and executed movie to be just what it is, a masterpiece with great people involved, actually had far from a straightforward road to its production.

[@riffbw]

One of the all time great directorial and writing debuts ever and Kelly did both. Wonderful movie that works so well. I saw the theatrical first and really got into it. In college we started discussing it and a friend mentioned a scene in the director's cut that I hadn't seen. I called him on it and he was shocked I understood so much of the movie without the director's cut. We ended up showing this to lots of friends and we had one guy that claims to not have slept for two weeks it messed with his head so much.

[@nataliep6385]

Fun fact: Donnie Darko and Freaks n' Geeks was actually Seth Rogens first movie roles.

[@morgellon7877]

Freaks and Geeks was a TV series, though. I loved that show.

[@sevenwhatuknow]

Saw this when I was about 15 it blew my mind. Then years later in the military watched Requiem of a Dream. I highly recommend that movie. Requiem of a Dream!!

[@DrDiscourse]

One of my all time favourites.

[@marcaddow7326]

The bunny frank, is Miguel from Independence Day wow cool!

[@RickCosta]

I wouldn't mind a limited TV series.

[@BogeyTheBear]

I bought the soundtrack before ever watching the movie and, with no cues from the movie to work from, let my imagination loose upon the music. Ended up in somewhere between _Dark City_ and _Brazil._

[@NavajoNinja]

You see Marty, when Biff took Your Almanac, He made another branch in time... Also, "How does One suck a F**k?!" 😁👍

[@ujankyfck8865]

My first time watching this, I was utterly confused. A couple days later I found some acid I hid from myself, rewatched it, and it made complete sense.

[@Artesian_mirage]

I think Donnie Darko is ultimately about finding meaning in an existential vacuum. Donnie was a conduit for other dimensional forces, because of his sensitivity mixed with his lack of connection to others, except with Gretchen, who helped him out of his Nihilistic void, out of his selfish timeline and into true sacrifice for a higher cause, for the greater good. Finding meaning through true love in the existential vacuum leads to transformation, guiding Donnie to a consciousness apotheosis, setting him free of his darkness and interdimensional conundrum.

[@axlphishm6943]

Such a good movie, i live how it was made in 2001 but feels entirely like an 80s movie

[@trevorjason4962]

I have seen the both the theatrical and directors cut and I feel the directors cut is the way to go.

[@stratavosstuff7575]

I'd be interested in either, though a series would be kinder for content.

[@graffic13]

Such a good movie.... Sparklemotion!! You should do " Connie &Carla"!!!! And "Josie and the Pussycats" And " Drop Dead Gorgeous " Also Ben Folds solo album " rocking the suburbs"was released on 9/11 Talk about a WTF happened to ...

[@trinaq]

I can't believe that this movie is 21, and old enough to drink! I remember having to rewind the movie the first time I watched it, since I was VERY confused by the ending! 😱

[@thundertits]

ah shit I missed it's 20th anniversary

[@SilentBob731]

Such a brilliant movie. And the dates line up again this year. 😉

[@janiskrumins9979]

Great movie, really! My only regret is initially watching it around 2 - 3 am so I couldn't fall asleep after that. My brain just refused to stop thinking about the plot...

[@adamroberts9243]

I always considered it related to the movie Harvy (1950), but with the Puka associated with someone else and many years later; these are s Of my favorite films.

[@zillsburyy1]

its a good sleeper like American psycho that came out the same time that takes place in the 80s. both movies had a huge cult following

[@Bartaci]

If there has to be a sequel, please not a series. A 2/2.5 hour film would suit it much better I think.

[@elrey8143]

Wow 26 didn’t know that, that’s quite impressive young man.

[@dcthegreatest24]

Has been a favorite of mine since release. You should check out S. Darko as well

[@37Kilo2]

Great movie. Loved the score and soundtrack.

[@AwakeAtTheWheel]

How is it that this channel is always publishing videos associated with people and things I’ve recently watched or thought about. It’s downright eerie. Lol 🍻

[@seereadnhear]

Anything that continues this universe I'll take I absolutely love this movie. I hate the fact that I can't find the f****** DVD or Blu-ray anywhere hell can't even find a damn VHS.

[@rawcodecmedia302]

A quick google search popped up the UHD double directors cut first thing. Blu ray on Amazon

[@Swagner_Soar]

This movies just perfect and became my favorite after just watching it once.

[@internziko]

DD is definitely in my top 5. I'd much rather see a Miniseries than a movie cause the director would have for creative control from a company like Netflix or Amazon as apposed to a movie studio.

[@ChrisPTenders]

I adore this movie. If there were ever to be a Kelly directed sequel, I'd probably climb up on top of my house and scream until I passed out. I'd like to say I'd prefer it as a film, an all-in-one art piece statement, much like the first... but the Netflix series "Dark" really reminds me of "Darko", and with similar themes and complex and bewildering world building mechanics, I think that kind of format would be insane. I would spend every second between episodes salivating for the next.

[@terryf6696]

I definitely wouldn't want any follow up. In any form. These things always ruin the cult standing of this kind of movies. It should stay as the stand alone gem that it is

[@tabithalacouture6042]

One of my favorite movies!

[@NASkeywest]

“I question your commitment to Sparkle motion.”

[@0verd0semedia]

You forgot to mention that Drew still showcases this film in her Manhattan theater every Friday at Midnight, and promises to do so until the end of the world.

[@TeatroGrotesco]

Well, watching John Madden plays while high AND having seen The Abyss.

[@acciomegapint2373]

I love this film. It's weird and beautiful and creative.

[@earlwade-pf3qy]

Man me and richard kelly have the same minds evil dead in the theater was great i grew up watching that movie and reading Stephen King books

[@Dalekzilla]

My #1 favourite movie of all time. I know a lot of Darko fans won't agree, but I actually really liked the sequel, S. Darko. Both films were wonderfully dark and thought provoking. DO. YOU. BELIEVE. IN. TIME. TRAVEL ?????

[@BikesBeardsAndBrews]

I'd like to see a Donnie Darko limited series on like shudder or netflix or amazon. Something that could be fully fleshed out but not overstay it's welcome and have a budget to support it

[@monkeyangelo717]

Owen Wilson Film Reviews

[@adellacastro5002]

that movie make me cry evertime I see it .I love that movie and the music too one of my v favorite movies

[@HotMochaCake]

I somehow knew about this movie before my best friend from High School showed it to me on his DVD. I remember knowing that Gears of War had the same song as D.D in a scene and I was eagertly waiting for it while watching the movie that I completely disregarded the details in the plot before shit hit the fan. I had to rewatch it solely because I was more focused on the soundtrack and the characters rather than the actual plot

[@chrisandrew7577]

Brings me back to being like 17 I have this movie memorized

[@vektacular]

I think a 10 episode season would be perfect for Darko….no more, no less, answer some questions and leave us with even more

[@frankrabbit2247]

Donnie Darko has been my favorite ever since I saw it when I was 16, 14 years ago.

[@onemorechris]

the word of mouth was also driven by the insane and brilliant website (which in 2001 was cutting edge). The only film that really used the internet in an interesting way before that was the Blair Witch Project (which made it seem like that film was real footage). the Donni Darko website was Flash based (ask your parents) and expanded the story with more detail, it only let you view some of the site then asked for an answer to a question you would only know if you had seen the film. totally brilliant use of the medium to promote the film at a time when social media didn’t exist like it does now

[@lessismore8533]

Daveigh Chase had a small role in this film! Before making her big horror break the following year! Miss her badly

[@GeneralChangFromDanang]

I remember watching this with my friend and he was going on and on about all the religious overtones and symbolism. I was really buying into thinking that he knew what he was talking about until I realized he was just really, really high.