Donnie Darko

I was going to write about the Guy Ritchie movie, Rock'n'Rolla, but decided I don't want all my posts to be negative.  So, I just re-watched Donnie Darko.  This movie is what I think Catcher in the Rye would be if it were updated into a Sci Fi movie.  The film deals with the hopelessness of what some people, maybe all people, go through in their teen years.  And this situation is worsened for Donnie by the appearance of a man-sized evil-looking rabbit named Frank, who is telling him when the world will end.  That, and the rage that is caused by human teenage hormones, would be enough to send anyone off the rails.
The story takes place in 1988, but the movie is not saturated with late 80's culture like some movies that take place in that time period.  Some cool camera work and great musical placement set the slow, but steady pace of the movie.  I don't mean that in a bad way.  The movie unfolds like a flower opening up.  Saying that it was like it was a flower opening up may sound a little effeminate, but I never liked the old saying, layered like an onion.  Onions can smell bad and once the smell gets on your hands the only way to get rid of it is to handle fish, which is another problem.  Anyway, screw you if you don't like my flower metaphor. 
Anywayzzz... The movie captures a feeling of the self important "Me Generation" by many of the characters that were prevalent 80's.  (Check out American Psycho for more 80's me generation   In one scene, Donnie is talking about how he doesn't want to be alone, but the interesting thing in the movie is that almost everyone in the movie seems to be preoccupied with their own situation.  Even though there are people that are friends in movie, no one seems to connect with anyone, except for Donnie and his Girlfriend, and there's is a very awkward relationship.. This actually becomes a dilemma for Donnie when he realizes he will need to make some tough decisions.
The movie is beautifully shot and skillfully acted. Most of the characterizations are subtle, and therefore, seems more true to life. Donnie Darko doesn't have what I call a “Hollywood Ending,” but I believe most people will be satisfied with the ending. The movie is haunting. I saw the movie the first time quite a while ago and had viewed several times since. I still find myself trying to rework the things that happened in the film and change around the choices, playing the "what if" game. 
I do want to add that I don't recommend the "Director's Cut." In the Director’s Cut, he Basically changed some of what I felt was key music (from fairly obscure to more commercial) and added some fluff that actually did nothing to propel the story.  As a friend once said to me, if it doesn't enhance it, take it out. Having said that, I highly recommend Donnie Darko.