Words

During the last two months, I have been busy writing about Donnie Darko. I started in March, made a blog, and now, 6 may, and I’m finished. It’s weird. Like saying goodbye to someone you have known for a while and have become emotionally involved to.

My project turned out to be very interesting. There is so much to write about Donnie Darko. Everything matter. It’s like small pieces linked together in a big jig-saw puzzle, suddenly making sense. I like jig-saw puzzles.

I ask myself how Richard Kelly could just make it all up, and then end up with such a brilliant film that have shocked me, entertained me and scared me.

Sometimes, at night, I wonder if Frank will turn up and tell me about the next 28 days.. but then I realize I’m just thinking about Donnie Darko again.

Now, I have written the last words on my project. I hope you find some amusement in reading it.

The ending

Donnie at the school assembly

Donnie Darko Part 4

Donnie Darko Part 1

Songs

The Donnie Darko-soundtrack was released in the UK in 2004, when The director’s cut was released.

CD one

CD 1 featured songs from both the theatrical edition and the director's cut.

"Never Tear Us Apart" by INXS – 3:04

"Head Over Heels" by Tears for Fears – 4:16

"Under the Milky Way" by The Church – 4:58

"Lucid Memory" by Sam Bauer and Gerard Bauer – 6:17

"Lucid Assembly" by Gerard Bauer and Mike Bauer – 0:52

"Ave Maria" by Giulio Caccini and Paul Pritchard – 2:57

"For Whom the Bell Tolls" by Steve Baker (composer) and Carmen Daye – 3:12

"Show Me (Part 1)" by Quito Colayco and Tony Hertz – 2:05

"Notorious" by Duran Duran – 4:00

"Stay" by Oingo Boingo – 3:38

"Love Will Tear Us Apart" by Joy Division – 3:23

"The Killing Moon" by Echo & The Bunnymen – 5:55

"Mad World" by Michael Andrews and Gary Jules – 3:03

CD two

1. "Carpathian Ridge" – 1:35
2. "Tangent Universe" – 1:50
3. "Artifact and Living" – 2:30
4. "Middlesex Times" – 1:30
5. "Manipulated Living" – 2:00
6. "Philosophy of Time Travel" – 2:02
7. "Liquid Spear Waltz" – 1:28
8. "Gretchen Ross" – 0:51
9. "Burn It to the Ground" – 1:58
10. "Slipping Away" – 1:17
11. "Rosie Darko" – 1:25
12. "Cellar Door" – 1:00
13. "Ensurance Trap" – 3:11
14. "Waltz in the 4th Dimension" – 2:46
15. "Time Travel" – 2:57
16. "Did You Know Him?" – 1:46
17. "Mad World" – 3:03
18. "Mad World" [Alternate Mix] – 3:41

What is the difference between the original Donnie Darko and the director’s cut?

Many people are unsure of which of the editions they should watch. The original lasts for 113 minutes; while the director’s cut is 20 minutes longer. The original also does have a more mysterious atmosphere.

In the director’s cut

The opening-scene song is changed from The killing moon to Never tear us apart.

Donnie’s therapist tells him his pills are only placebos, and that he can stop taking his medication.

Several class-room scenes are longer.

If you want a challenge, and like to solve riddles, watch the original. It’s more difficult to interpret. If you are interested in realizing what’s going on, try to watch The director’s cut, where Richard Kelly has left more keys to the final answers of Donnie Darko.