When "Donnie Darko" was first released in 2001, it didn't cause too big a splash at the box office. Most audiences found it too left centered. The film required more thought than the usual feel-good movie. It wasn't until it was released for home viewing that it spawned an incredible cult following. Yet, for those of us who loved it the first 30 times we saw it, (but still don't quite understand it) the two-disc director's cut DVD is here to spell it out.
Part of what made the original film so interesting was its ambiguity, resulting in hours of coffee shop speculation and obsessive fan sites trying to make sense of it. On the first disc, the extended version of the film is presented as originally conceived by writer/director Richard Kelly. Kelly's cut ties up the loose ends the original version neglected, with 20 minutes of substantial new plot material. Further character development for Donnie's father, played by Holmes Osborne, will make audiences wish their dad was a little more like him, and the mysterious Grandma Death plays an even bigger role in the extended cut. The film's great 80s British pop soundtrack stays intact, save for the film's opening scene. Originally accompanied by Echo and the Bunnymen, the scene is now to the tune of INXS.
Disc two also delivers the goods. The documentary "They made me do it too: The cult of Donnie Darko," follows the film's quick rise to popularity in London. The feature suggests that American audiences may not take to thought-provoking material as easily as the British. Fans of the disc are also introduced to the hilariously creepy Darryl Donaldson through his own contest-winning documentary, "No. 1 Fan: A Darkomentary." Donaldson proves himself to be the biggest "Donnie Darko" fan in the world, and even refers to himself as Darkon Prime.
The bulk of the second disk contains the production diary, a nearly day-to-day account of the film's 28-day shoot (which is also the duration of the film's narrative). From scouting locations for the film's late 80s Virginia town of Middlesex to multiple takes of memorable scenes with candid moments with Drew Barrymore, no stone is left uncovered in this behind-the-scenes featurette. Kelly prefers to close to his actors as possible rather than behind the camera, and watching him at the helm is inspiring. On the other hand, if an in-depth look at the film's production does not sound interesting, fast forward to the end of the documentary where you'll find the peculiar dancing styles of Jake Gyllenhaal. It's a shame Gyllenhaal didn't have a dance sequence in the film.
This is very capable of providing deeper appreciation for the film and will either make you say, "Ah ha! I knew it!" or slap your forehead for not noticing how obvious the missing plot pieces fit together. This re-issue of a cult classic is a must-have for any fan of the original.
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