Featuring several deleted scenes, new music and new sound effects, the Director's Cut of Richard Kelly's masterpiece, "Donnie Darko" is here.
Donnie Darko: The Director's Cut (2004)
Directors: Richard Kelly
Producers: Adam Fields, Sean McKittrick and Nancy Juvonen.
Writers: Richard Kelly
Features: * Rated R for language, some drug use and violence. * Running Time: 133 Minutes
Characters:
Donnie Darko...Jake Gyllenhaal
Gretchen Ross...Jena Malone
Eddie Darko...Holmes Osborne
Rose Darko...Mary McDonnell
Elizabeth Darko...Maggie Gyllenhaal
Frank...James Duval
Jim Cunningham...Patrick Swayze
Prof. Kenneth Monnitoff...Noah Wyle
Karen Pomeroy...Drew Barrymore
Kitty Farmer...Beth Grant
Genre: Science-Fiction
Review:
Released back in 2001, “Donnie Darko” was not a smashing success. When it hit home video, however, it rivaled “Office Space” as the most sought after DVD 20th Century Fox had ever produced. When fans got the DVD, they were able to view more than 20 minutes of deleted scenes, some of which answered a lot of the unanswered questions. Later, we found out that these scenes were featured in the famed “Sundance Cut.”
So, to our surprise, “Donnie Darko” was actually not being viewed the way writer/director Richard Kelly had intended it to be seen. Shoot forward to present day. Now, we are finally getting the chance to see “Donnie Darko” the way Richard Kelly had intended so many years ago. This version of “Darko” runs well over two hours. It features new effects, new scenes and new music. While it’s interesting to see what the theatrical vision was versus what the vision was intended to be, many fans may find that the theatrical cut holds more interest.
The new cut isn’t bad; it just shows a little too much. There are some great new scenes here, some of which should have remained in the theatrical version, while others pad the film’s length and dry out the point. One’s enjoyment of the director’s cut will depend on how much they wanted to know in the first place.
If you’re one of the thousands who like the mystery and intrigue behind “Donnie Darko”, you’re likely to be disappointed. If you always wanted to know the facts, then this cut will certainly cater to you. The new cut of “Darko” will appeal to the mainstream because it’s more accessible, but don’t let that turn you away.
The best addition to “Donnie Darko” is the remixed audio. Using the original audio elements, several of the film’s lackluster sound effects have been removed and replaced with low pitch sound effects that are much more effective. These are most noticeable whenever Frank the Bunny is on screen. There’s this “evil” sound that surrounds him. It’s frightening and significantly more effective.
One major complaint about the new cut is that “The Killing Moon” is no longer featured during the opening sequence. Feeling the song was far too important to start out with, Kelly opted to feature the song during the party scene at the end of the film. Now, “Never Tear Us Apart” plays through the opening. Unfortunately, it’s just not as catchy as “The Killing Moon.” “Moon” sets up the mood for the film and its characters. With its absence, it may take new viewers a few more minutes to get involved.
Small complaints aside, the director’s cut is a perfect complement to the theatrical cut. It’s actually very reminiscent of “Back to the Future Part II” when Marty McFly must go back to 1955 and relive events he’s already encountered. In that film, you got to see an entirely different view of 1955 even though it featured scenes you already knew and loved. “Donnie Darko: The Director’s Cut” does the same, providing you more insight on the events leading up to Donnie’s departure.
“Donnie Darko” is the kind of cult hit that will never fade away. Young 20-somethings will always seek out films that challenge their mind. “Darko” is certainly one of those rare gems, and now fans have two versions to choose from. Joining films like “Memento,” “Lord of the Rings,” “Fight Club” and “The Shawshank Redemption,” “Darko” will haunt the shelves of DVD racks in college dorms for years to come.
For a complete list of the changes made to "Donnie Darko," check out IMDB.com's 'alternate versions' section: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0246578/alternateversions
*Scorecard*
As entertainment: * * * *
As a film: * * * 1/2
Overall: * * * 1/2
----R. L. Shaffer