Jocelyn Martinez

Mr. Newman
English 101: Rhetoric
21 October 2014
Donnie Darko
In 2001 Writer and Director, Richard Kelly created Donnie Darko, a story of a possibly
schizophrenic teenage boy who goes through twisted and somewhat disturbing events. Informed
that the end of the world was nearby his demonic rabbit friend, Donnie does things that a normal
teenaged boy would never think of doing. Although Roger Ebert and Todd McCarthy believe the
actors and music in Donnie Darko were perfectly chosen for the film, their views differ on the
plot and the success of the first time writer-director Richard Kelly.

Roger Ebert and Todd McCarthy both see Donnie Darkos music and actors are perfect
match for this movie. Kelly picks Jake Gyllenhaal, an actor able to suggest an intriguing kind
of disturbance (Ebert) to play Donnie Darko, the main character. Ebert and McCarthy both
agree how much of a difference Gyllenhaal made in this movie. Without the amazing acting
skills Gyllenhaal has to offer, Donnie Darko wouldnt have been the insidiously mischievous
fellow with smarts that are, as a school official notes, intimidating (McCarthy). As well as the
actors, both critics agree that without the music selected, the scenes would not have been as
impacting. McCarthy believes Michael Andrews original score and the song selections are
outstanding. It may seem like a small thing, but music helps set the mood of the movie. For
example someone getting chased by a killer with a silent background isnt as scary as a killer
chasing someone with suspenseful music in the background.

Despite agreeing on how well chosen the actors and music were for Donnie Darko, Ebert
and McCarthy disagree on the plot of this movie and the success of Richard Kelly. For example
Ebert believes the first-time writer-director, is obviously talented. Aiding that opinion Ebert
adds that Kelly sees his characters freshly and clearly, and never reduces them to formulas.
Ebert understands that at some points the movie may be confusing but understands exactly what
Kelly was trying to do. On the other hand McCarthy argues that the movie has many problems
with it and that most stem from a young filmmaker overswinging on his first time up to the
plate and hitting a deep fly out rather than a home run. McCarthy thinks that Kelly did too much
for it being his first movie and should have done something simpler. He goes on to further
explain that This overweeningly ambitious picture will be difficult to market without strong
critical support.

Although Ebert and McCarthy disagree on the plot and success of Richard Kelly, they
can both agree that Donnie Darko is a kind of movie that calls out not merely to be experienced
but to be solved (Ebert). Erbert has faith in Kellys abilities and sees exactly what he was trying
to do with this movie. On the other side, McCarthy believes this movie was a complete fail on
Kellys part. Donnie Darko is a strange, mind boggling movie and will leave you will plenty of
unanswered questions that will make you want to know more.

Works Cited
Ebert, Roger. "Donnie Darko." RogerEbert. Roger Ebert, 26 Oct. 2001. Web. 22 Oct. 2014.

McCarthy, Todd. "Review: Donnie Darko." Variety. Variety411, 21 Jan. 2001. Web. 22 Oct.
2014.