Donnie Darko - Cult Classic?

[Phoenix]

I go with 'an alright film' - but i talk to a lot of people about it pretty frequently who believe it deserves 'cult' status. Thoughts?

[Heineken Skywalker]

"An alright film, but not a classic"

I agree, though I wouldn't mind seeing it again.
Points for originality and I really liked the song that played at the end of the film.

[ZapRowsdower]

I consider it a cult classic now... still need to see the director's cut.

[Heineken Skywalker]

The only thing I've heard about the director's cut is that they should've left well enough alone. Supposedly, it's not very good.
I do consider it a cult film, just not sure if it'll someday be considered a "classic". Like I said, a second viewing is in order.

[Gabriel]

I went with future cult classic. But obviously the term 'cult' needs to be assessed!

I think the film is excellent. Original and wonderfully made.

The movie itself just touched me. Weird but the first time I saw it I just thought, my god.... I need to watch it again. Some people got it... some didn't... I did.

[Termination]

I recently watched the Direcrtor's cut of this film. (Never saw the theatrical version) Anyaway, I don't think this film is special in anyway. Cult Classic? Why? It was just another average super-natural drama flick to me. I don't understand the wide appeal this film gets from fans.

[Phoenix]

neptunes said:

I went with future cult classic. But obviously the term 'cult' needs to be assessed!

I think the film is excellent. Original and wonderfully made.

The movie itself just touched me. Weird but the first time I saw it I just thought, my god.... I need to watch it again. Some people got it... some didn't... I did.

Gotta agree with the 'some people got it...some didn't...' comment. I felt like I 'got it' but after talking to fanatics of the film I was like 'hmmm...maybe I didn't.'

Haven't seen the director's cut though yet. Maybe I shouldn't after seeing your comments.

[JayPee]

i enjoy the film, but like many others, i felt it was a lot cooler before everyone in the world knew what it was. it was good, and i "got it" (i think!).

it was very original, and it had some great stuff in it. i dunno if it deserves cult status yet. maybe in ten years.

but i've always felt that jake gyllenhaal is a poor man's tobey mcquire.

[DrLenera]

Almost everyone I know who is seriously into films thinks Donnie Darko is wonderful,so I'm glad to find people on this board who thinks it's just OK. It certainly kept me interested but by the end I thought "is THAT what all the fuss is about"?

I saw the original cut,supposedly the director's cut explains things a bit more. I'm not sure that would make it better really.

[Heineken Skywalker]

DrLenera said:

It certainly kept me interested but by the end I thought "is THAT what all the fuss is about"?

My thoughts exactly.

And for the record, I think it is possible to get this movie and still not be blown away by it.
It's like THE MATRIX all over again. People who loved it were running around like they were some kind of geniuses, while people who thought it was an average or "okay" movie, were told they just "didn't get it".
Just sayin' is all.

JayPee said:

but i've always felt that jake gyllenhaal is a poor man's tobey mcquire.

But he really is, isn't he? Not only does he resemble Tobey physically, but they both dated Kirsten Dunst and when Tobey's return for SPIDER-MAN 2 was in doubt, who was almost cast to replace him? Yep, Jake Gyllenhaal.

[Bartwald]

I never saw it - this is one of the surprising cases of "famous all around the world but not released in Poland". As soon as I catch it, I'll tell you what I think.

[Quorthon]

Bartwald said:

I never saw it - this is one of the surprising cases of "famous all around the world but not released in Poland". As soon as I catch it, I'll tell you what I think.

I think it's a classic now. The story was amazing, and so damn original. At one point during the film, I think everyone goes, "That's what this is about? Fucking weird." I did, and I loved it.

The cover of the (original release DVD), unfortunately, gives the off-putting impression of yet another modern Hollywood half-assed slasher a la "I Know What You Did Last Summer You Naughty Scantily Dressed Person You!!!" But it's head and shoulders above those films. Excellent acting, too.

[Quorthon]

The Director's Cut of this is finally out on DVD--and it's a whopping 19 minutes longer than the original. God, I need to get this movie!

[Termination]

Finished watching the Director's cut Again.

Spoilers for those here who have not seen it

I did get it - I didn't get it

That seems to be everyones comments on the actual plot. To me, the movie was about time travel or time portal. A story of a teen who sees, or is told what events will occur & what role he should play in these events. After a plane engine crashes into Donnie's room, he is not there, but the ending suggests he should have been in the room. The time travel/portal plot in the film through me off. Was everything reality? What wasn't real & what was?

So I guess I don't get it even though I still have a vivid memory of every scene in the film.

How did you guys interpet the plot?

[Phoenix]

i haven't seen Donnie in over a year - but I know I had similar thoughts as you Term. I thought it was a time portal thing as well, maybe with a shot of alternate reality worm-holes, that Donnie can manipulate to change events. I DO NOT think there is a cookie cutter answer which makes people think the movie is 'brilliant.'

I have to say probably just too weird for me.