Written and Directed by Richard Kelly
Cinematography by Steven B. Poster

Jake Gyllenhaal as Donnie Darko Jena Malone as Gretchen Ross Drew Barrymore as Ms. Karen Pomeroy Mary McDonnell as Rose Darko Holmes Osborne as Eddie Darko Katharine Ross as Dr. Lilian Thurman Patrick Swayze as Jim Cunningham Noah Wyle as Dr. Monnitoff Maggie Gyllenhaal as Elizabeth Darko James Duval as Frank Beth Grant as Kittie Farmer Daveigh Chase as Samantha Darko

Running Time: 122 min.
Release Date: Oct. '01

Overall Call:
Wow. This film or should I say Richard Kelly bit off quite a lot here. I really appreciate his gamble. Kelly has so much going on in the film any director would have difficultly dealing with all the issues raised in the 122 minutes. His attempt though is something to enjoy. Mental stability, the American family, the after life/spirituality, and the torment of high school are just a few of the themes dealt with in the film. Depending on which topics you would like explored more thoroughly some of the film might disappoint, but over all Kelly should be very pleased. The acting across the board was outstanding and the lead, Jake Gyllenhaal, delivered a brilliant performance that helped keep the overloaded film afloat. Kelly's use of the soundtrack was well done too. He uses songs complete length while still allowing the narrative to continue in a strong manner. This is certainly one of the best films of the year.

Reasons For Recommendation:
+ Outstanding writer/director debut by Richard Kelly
+ Jake Gyllenhaal's performance