 | Donnie Darko first hit theaters on Halloween in 2001 and did poorly, but then it went on to become a "cult hit" and sold 10 million copies on DVD. Donnie Darko: The Director's Cut is scheduled for a limited release this fall, 2004.
Donnie Darko begins when Donnie, a troubled adolescent, first hallucinates Frank, who saves his life by leading him out of his house just before an airplane engine mysteriously crashes through the roof. Frank tells Donnie that the world is going to end in approximately 28 days. As the movie continues, Frank commands Donnie to commit various acts of vandalism. At first, these seem like senseless, irrational, immoral acts of destruction, but as the movie continues, one learns the true meaning of "Check your premises."
Donnie Darko is a beautifully structured, atmospheric, and intricate film that does not deserve to be considered alongside other "cult" movies such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Harold and Maude. Two high points for Objectivists are the painfully accurate portrayal of an educationally bankrupt school and an interesting, subtle proof of the nonexistence of God.
Do rent this movie on DVD. The original cut is difficult to piece together unless you watch the whole thing five times or take a look at some of the "extras"...deleted scenes, commentary, etc. I haven't seen the Director's Cut yet, so I can't say anything for or against it.
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