Meh. I still prefer my scary giant bunnies and vehicular violence inexplicable and untidy, à la David Lynch. All the gorgeous Gyllenhaals in the Universe couldn’t save Donnie Darko from feeling precious and contrived, the far side of ripe. Yet, this second time through, I experienced undeniable fondness for the Gyllenhaal pumpkin-carving moment, and the “Notorious” Sparkle Motion dance.
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Steve and James saw this on friend Alanna’s recommendation. Steve said it was “a really bizarre movie.” Steve & James love the song “Mad World,” so much so that James recorded a nice cover of it this summer. I’ll send your review to James for his commentary. I didn’t watch it, but I think James’ cover of it is one of the better tracks he’s recorded.
Thanks for mentioning the music, Aunt Mary. The film is set during the ‘88 presidential election, and the music is a huge nostalgia trip. INXS, Tears for Fears, Duran Duran…takes me back to when MTV was MTV (and I liked to make up dance routines). :-] I’m trolling Facebook and MySpace for James’s “Mad World” cover.
Ok, how much harm can it cause me if it’s about the 1988 election? Who was running, anyway? Sigh. Can’t say anything but the soundtrack invites. I’m pathetic with challenging movies. I’m so glad that you are riding that wave. I’m on the beach cheering you on.
ViaLys, it’s not really *about* Dukakis v. Bush in ‘88. That on the telly and the soundtrack music merely serve as ambiance for a (precious, contrived?) story about a disturbed young man experiencing visions of a giant scary bunny who encourages him to perpetuate acts of sabotage. I think you would hate this movie and should not hesitate to skip it.
You’re not pathetic and “challenging” is largely subjective. I find Far and Away extremely challenging. You walked out on A Clockwork Orange. (!?!) Let’s meet again for Fellowship of the Ring?