Donnie Darko - Detailed Summary Essay Example for Free

Donnie Darko Detailed Summary EssayDonnie Darko is an intelligent, yet insane and emotionally-ill teenager, whos idealistic fantasy of correcting the wrongs in society, finally appears possible in a tangent universe (an grotesque reality), where he is guided by an fanciful friend Frank, who appears as a malevolent giant bunny rabbit in Donnies day-time hallucinations.In the early stages of the film, Frank literally lures Donnie from reality and introduces him to a tangent universe where Donnie observes what wouldve been, (yet in the long run is) his own death in reality, where he is crushed by a plummeting airliner engine that crashes through the roof of his house directly above his bedroom where he sleeps. In the tangent reality though, he is only when a bystander, bemused and frightened by the calamity of the aftermath, as he returns home the morning subsequent to the disaster. He realizes that his long sleep-walk adventure the previous night, (Summoned by Frank) had e nsured the avoidance of his death.The viewer is initially under the result that Frank is a product of Donnies disturbed and inventive sub-conscious, as he is but a vehicle to allow Donnies inhibitions to express themselves through acts of desecration. In mevery ways, Frank seems to take return of Donnies mental secernate by coercing him to perpetrate crime. Yet Donnie appears to advocate his own actions, indicating his intentions for societal change, reformation, and also for companionship he fears the cyclorama of dying alone, in which case, Frank is an ally who can assist Donnie in coping with his emotional struggles and hardships.The event that Donnies mental condition is later classified as paranoid schizophrenia by Dr Thurman (Donnies psychiatrist), would appear as another viable theory or impression, for the viewer to follow. However, it proves not as strong. The reason being, is that the initial or aforementioned theory supports the films noteworthy theme that destruct ion is a form of creation (an idea propagated by Donnies secondary literacy teacher, Mrs. Pomeroy), whereas the latter is a shallow, yet logical conclusion that isnt glaringly in keeping with any underlying messages of the film itself.Later in the film, the tangent universe allows for the discovery of Frank, as an authentic person, who is polish off by Donnie as he is directly responsible for a fatal car accident involving Donnies much- adore tangent girlfriend, Gretchen. This enlightens us as to the reason for Franks contact with Donnie. Frank has journeyed back through time, to in-turn present a port-hole to Donnies future and enable Donnie to view aspects of his life ahead as a series of optical manifestations, (ie post airliner engine catastrophe).In doing this, he informs Donnie that Armageddon will arrive in twenty-eight days, which conveniently serves as a manipulative motive to aid his primary objective To discourage Donnie in continuing his life in reality in the hope that Franks life will be sp bed.At this point in the film, the recurring theme of time travel claims its stronghold, regardless of previous acknowledgements and inferences. For instance, in one particular position Frank implies he is from the future, and in numerous others, Donnie is seen eagerly researching and discussing theoretical revelations, pertaining to the philosophy of time travel. Evidently though, these scenes and others, much(prenominal)(prenominal) as the Frank-influenced despoilment of Donnies school and the arson of a corrupt perverts house, illustrate critical stages of Donnies inner(a) move around that is, from a disillusioned teenager, troubled by the folly of mainstream attitudinal beliefs, to an individual who transcends reality in order to dwell in an idealistically superior society, of his own invention.After twenty-seven days of endeavor through outrageous exoteric displays and clandestine defilement, the foretold event of Armageddon looms near. Donni e ambles through the final moments of his tangent existence (inner jaunt), as his consultation-defining tenacious dynamism begins to fade. As expected, he assumes his fatalistic mentality of all living things have a set path, and that humans argon merely vessels traveling along Gods channel, gradually nearing a pre-determined destination. At this stage, Donnies mindset suggests a search for spectral solace and religious meaning.Whilst denying an utterly defeatist outlook, Donnie exerts a courageous exterior by modestly take his fate, in the hope that there will be so much to look forward to. He is of course referring to a reformed humanity that is devoid of inadequacy, corruption and suppression.It is here, that the film takes an unexpected turn, whereby Donnies inner journeying in the tangent universe is virtually thwarted due to the sub-conscious acknowledgement of an audible phrase, originally delicate by his late girlfriend, Gretchen. It is part of her conjecture of emotio nal solace What if you could go back through time, and counterchange all those hours of pain and darkness with something better?At this point, Frank uses his god-like essence to summon Donnie in reality, take for granted that hed been subjected to enough to be dissuaded, and, much to the viewers astonishment, Donnie awakes in bed, hysterically laughing in awe and incredulity of his dream. Whilst conscious, he remembers the tangent visions of pain and anguish, including Gretchens death, and the murder of Frank, and decides that his future should be exempt from more emotional suffering.Donnie opts to abstain his inner journey heroically, by means of self- return that is, to allow the plummeting airliner engine to destroy him, thus ensuring an protracted life for his beloved female tangent counterpart, Gretchen.The film Donnie Darko is significant to the theme of imaginary journey as it details a persons sinister epigrammatic voyage into the future, and consequent development of emotional alteration.Director Richard Kelly uses the character Donnie as a representation of idealistic thought inherent in society. It is no undisclosed particular that society itself, is pervaded by thoughts and ideals that ar in contrast with expected societal opinion. Kelly hints at the notion that we are engaged in the journey of life, yet our propulsion is suppressed somewhat, by theundeniable need to line up to societys bounds and restrictions thus society would seem to preclude humans from achieving their primary goal(s) or concluding their journeys. too intertwined with this perception, is the suggestion of the faade of human nature. Kelly suggests it is unnatural for veritable human inclination to be constrained, hence the rationale of life-long journeys that are embarked upon to discover a sense of self.Donnies self discovery is shown through his sacrifice for Gretchen. Whilst on his imaginary journey, Donnie identifies with her troubled emotions and sinister backgro und of family trauma. He discovers a person remarkably similar to himself, so his sacrifice in essence could be perceived as an effort of self-preservation as he was intent on ensuring continuity of his spirit within a physical entity other than himself. This is a viable interpretation, relevant to a reflective inner journey, as it is a primary motive for initial commitment to the journey itself.Kelly realizes that Donnies journey is exceedingly implausible and unrealistic. Without detracting from the intended solemnity, it seems a feat such(prenominal) as Donnies could only be get over by a philosophical super-hero with ethereal powers. Kelly deliberately captures the fervent yet slightly nave of import vision of Donnies ideological expectations in the films title, and in Donnies heroic bravado. Nonetheless, he encourages provocation of thought and motivational conjure on our set path in life, or inner journey.The reason being is that humans are inclined to stray from reality, i f indeed there is an absence of true accomplishment in their existence. By this, Kelly infers that an inner journey is necessary to undergo, as it induces self-gratification and contributes to the conservation and perpetuation of ones psyche.Director Richard Kelly uses the medium of time travel to symbolize the eternal human endeavor/journey in Donnie Darko. I use eternal, because we yearn for such an easy method as time travel to reveal future outcomes and destinations, yet we are at the same time disenchanted by its obviousimpracticalities.Kelly expresses his interpretation of fatalism via liquid fizgigs, which consist of water and metal, and appear as a cylindrical protrusion from a humans chest. In the scene known as the liquid jibe waltz, (tangent universe), Donnie in his hallucinatory state, sees these spears connected to the chests of his friends and family. He observes that the individual always follows the path of the spear, to their immediate destination.For example, Do nnies spear leads him to the fridge on one occasion, whilst he was thirsting for a drink. He wouldve made that same trip even if the spear wasnt there.Furthermore, the inclusion of mystical activity in the film, such as the liquid spear, adds to the surrealism of the tangent universe, reinforcing the imaginary focus of Donnies journey. Kelly has portrayed the same dream-like atmosphere via other medium also.For example, many of the tangent universe scenes are in slow-motion, and filmed from an aerial perspective. This informs the viewer of the simulation of the tangent universe, whilst creating a mystic atmosphere and mood.Finally, Kellys concept of fatalism whitethorn well be perceived as a mere scapegoat for human failure, yet such a perception would be grossly incorrect.He emphasizes that we shouldnt knowingly inhibit ourselves because we travel on a set path in life. If anything, a pre-determined future should provide motivation, and encourage one take advantage of daily opport unities and prospects.After all, we are oblivious as to when exactly, our journey of life shall ultimately cease.