Donnie Darko at the Natl. Popular Culture Conf.

[profbradok]

Dear Darkoites,

My name is Brad Duren and I am an assistant professor of history at Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Goodwell, Oklahoma. I discovered Donnie Darko after it came out on video/DVD and became an instant fan. It is an amazing film laden with a wide-range of meanings, as this board clearly demonstrates.

I am doing a presentation at the National Popular Culture/American Culture Association conference in San Antonio in April. The presentation is entitled "Mad World, Mad Film: The Paradoxes of Donnie Darko". I am reviewing the many fansites and discussion boards as a part of the research. That is how I found this site, in fact.

What I want to know from each of you (if you would be so kind) is some words about why this film has captivated you as it has. What is it about Donnie Darko that has made it such a cult hit with a large base of admirers and fans? What does the film mean to you? Is its hazy, often confusing narrative and meaning a positive or negative for you? Would the film have been better or worse if the deleted scenes, which provide more detail as to what is going on, would have been included in the original cut?

You get the idea. What I want is input from YOU the Donnie Darko fans out there. Give me any views on any angle of the film that you would like me to know. My particular take on the film for my presentation focuses on the various philosophical/theological interpretations of the film, the active internet fan base the film has, along with some historical context and analysis (as I am a historian by trade!).

I kindly appreciate anything you might have to tell me. This board figures prominently into my presentation and what better thing to do than to get direct input from each of you. I love this film and I want to do what I can to bring even more attention to it.

Thanks in advance for your help, and keep up the discussions! You will be noted and given credit for any and all input you provide that I wind up using in the presentation. Feel free to post here as I will be checking back frequently, or you can email me privately at [e-mail] if you would rather do that. Thanks again.

Sincerely,
Brad L. Duren
Assistant Professor of History
Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Goodwell, Oklahoma

Member, Governing Board, American Culture Association
www.popularculture.org

[deftoner86]

The thing that captivated me was simply the fact that the movie was very different, and instead of being only entertaining, it kept me thinking long after it was over.
The reason it is a cult hit is probably the the puzzling ending... so all sorts of sites were set up and people disscuss their opinions and theories, thus allowing the movie to stay afloat in minds three years after it's release.

[sirius]

Bit of a late post, but I hope it's still helpful.

I became a fan of Donnie Darko rather quickly because of it's...eccentric story. It was something I had never heard of, nor considered ever thinking about. It didn't try to glamourize Donnie's life (which tends to happen in movies now). It had characters in there that made you think of someone in our own life (the teachers, the pushy, rude mother).

Donnie, to me, was also believable. Kelly didn't allow him such fantastic powers that he could save both himself and his world. He could only make a choice between one or the other. (Some might argue on this...) Instead he only saw things other people couldn't and had a sharp mind.

I have to agree with deftoner86 that, in the end, Donnie Darko is simply a movie that makes you think, which is a rare gift in today's world. There seems to be endless possiblities as to why this happened, or how that probably could have altered the outcome of this.

It's just a great film. Have fun at the conference!

Sirius

[Furik]

I loved the film because it was different from most films out there. I fell in love with instantly because of this reason. Most movies out there are plain and simple and everything about the movies are layed out for you and you get everything about them. That's what I liked about Donnie Darko; it was not like the normal everyday movie. It made you think, it was dark, and was very original.

[Twitchmonkey]

Because its compelling without making me feel stupid for not figuring out the "answer" it is a great tragedy but it also has underlying hope from Donnies happiness near the end. It also pulls you into the world of Donnie and it makes him seem very interesting and still very human even when he is dealing with the end of the world.....I am so incoherent right now

[la5tr1d31n]

I first watched the movie because of all the things I had heard people say about it, but what I liked most was Donnie's character: his psyche, his relationships, etc. He is a relatable character for many that are his age.

[Gwynnieviere]

Donnie Darko is a film that, like many others have said, makes you think. Donnie is a troubled Teenager, who personifies adolescence magnificently. It magnifies some of the problems teenagers have, such as being misunderstood, being an outcast, etc. He has a sharp mind, and doesn't have any "super powers" Which I find irritating in movies today. I enjoyed this movie not only because it is different, though that helps, I like it because I can watch it 10 or 15 times, not get everything about it, but not feel stupid. The movie keeps us guessing all the way through, and you never quite know what's going to happen next. I think if the took out some of the sexual moments, they could show this to younger kids, though I don't think it's necessary, considering they probably won't understand the movie anyways. (Not that I'm saying that younger kids are stupid, I'm only 13 myself, I'm simply saying that any younger than middle school or junior high, they won't understand it.)

[darkos_light]

Here is my post, three months too late, for only the purpose to explain my passino for Donnie Darko.

... Okay, really because I just now saw the date that guy needed this stuff by. Oh well, "he" was probably a thirteen year old sadistic girl, teasing us into thinking we'll all be stars by inputting our reviews.

And .... fuck. I just rightclicked, paste, with no "paste" option available. Once again, my crappy computer has crapped me over again.

Goodbye, April deadline. Goodbye, man/girl/person. Goodbye, ... I think i'm going to go buy the dvd now.

[profbradok]

Humorous post, Mr. Three Months Late. Do you really think that I would have been moronic enough to give all of my information if I were a thirteen year old girl just "teasing" you? Nonetheless, I was keeping track of responses to my question, and I DID present at the conference in San Antonio in April.

The topic changed a bit by the time that I presented, but I did include some of the responses from this board while discussing the cult status of the film. If I had received your rather interesting post sooner, I would have included it. As is, all I can do with it is read it...and chuckle. ;D

Thanks for taking the time to reply though. I just hope that you programmed your TiVO properly so you didn't miss any of "Montel." The rush you desire just isn't the same without some bad TV and something to munch. Not that I am implying anything, mind you. After all, you think I am a sadistic, thirteen year old girl! Speaking of same, isn't that term redundant??

I recommend Cheetos, by the way...

Sincerely,

Brad L. Duren
Assistant Professor of History
Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Goodwell, Oklahoma

Member, Governing Board, American Culture Association
www.popularculture.org

[Twitchmonkey]

Well personally I dont care whether or not this information was actually presented as I just enjoy discussing the movie but if it was I hope it went well

[darkos_light]

Ms. Three Months Late, thank you very much. Also I didn't really get the whole Montel thing, I think it may have been a slam, but I'm not entirely too sure. Cheetohs make me wanna puke.

I really am mad that my review didn't copy, though. I even used the word cintillating. Dangit.




















And, although I like it, 'passino' was supposed to be passion. Although I like the spanglish-ness of passino.