Monday, July 26, 2004

The latest TWoP TAR5 recap is up. Woo! The quote of the week from page 1 (because really, I’m sure there are better quotes later, but this is a teaser, right? Plus, I haven’t gotten past page 1 without wanting to quote. So...there.):

We nervously observe various parts of Buenos Aires, as Phil explains that in the “lush countryside” surrounding the city, you will find the teams “relaxing” at La Portena, a “traditional Argentine estate.” You know, I have seen some of these people, and I think it’s unlikely that they’re “relaxing.” I promise you, whatever Mirna is doing, she is not relaxing. I imagine something like, “Why isn’t anybody helping us eat and sleep? Pequeno bella, is impossible! No can mingle-o!” Elsewhere, Phil is strolling—man, did Phil get hotter all of a sudden? I’ve always thought Phil was cute, but they really have gotten a much better bead on how to dress him or something so he doesn’t look like such a sixth-grade science teacher, because...yeah. If they ever get the jeans to fit right, Jeff Probst is going to have to go in for chin implants or something just to keep up.

Via Dean Abbott is a Christianity today article about Donnie Darko.

When asked about the film’s devoted following among teenagers and young adults, director Kelly remarked, “Young people aren’t stupid. They want thoughtful films, but they don’t want to be told what to think. This is a film based on some of the ideas of Stephen Hawking, and kids are interested.” Mary McDonnell, who plays Donnie’s mother, added, “I think kids are smart. My daughter saw it with her classmates and they continue to talk about it. Boys and girls are equally drawn to it.” Malone agreed: “I’m nineteen, and I want films that will challenge me. I want films that are about people like me who are thinking. But I look around and I can’t find them.”

This seems to be the big drawing card for Donnie Darko. Young people see themselves and their own struggles in this movie. The time/space/meaning questions are similar to the ones they are asking as they grow into adulthood.

Donny Darko shouldn’t be pegged as merely a “teen” film, though. It is a wild ride for anyone who wants to think a bit while watching a delightfully entertaining movie. It’s the kind of film that Quentin Tarantino would make if he were a better filmmaker. Like Kill Bill, it is full of interwoven plots and seemingly random story lines. But unlike Kill Bill, it all comes together. It’s about the Big Ideas. It’s not just a bag of cinematic tricks. Donnie Darko runs on a great premise, exceptional writing and solid performances. It’s a terrific film. Why it failed in its first release is a mystery.