Bella Rivas - Donnie Darko

      In class, when we watched Donnie Darko, I was a bit confused at times. I had a hard time seeing past the creepy nature of the film into the broader themes. Dr. Redick brought up an interesting theme of connection and belonging. At the beginning of the film, Donnie could not connect with anyone. As the film progresses, he learns to connect with his girlfriend, despite his mental illness and social barriers. His ability to connect affected many different relationships in his life. For instance, at the beginning of the film, when the engine had landed on his room and it was uncertain if Donnie was dead or alive, his family barely reacted. At the end of the film, when Donnie died in his room, his family was grief-stricken. This progression of connection throughout the movie alluded to the larger questions asked during the movie, such as "does everyone die alone?" and if this is true, does the search for God matter? Donnie clearly did not die alone. He was missed. His connection made him a part of something larger than himself. This film addressed a very primal human need: to be known and to know others. I love how this film depicted that primal need through a rebellious teenager.