Madi Van Reenen, Donnie Darko

Let me begin by stating I've had nightmares every night since we watched this movie and I 100% blame you, Kip.

When watching the film, I was really confused as to how this related to a religious course. I honestly began to think we were just watching it to enjoy because I couldn't understand the connection. It was only in the last twenty minutes or so that I started to piece it together as a parable of Christ.

I think the underlying foundation of the movie was to resemble Christ going to the cross to save humanity from our sinful nature. Donnie began the movie by feeling alone and distant from everyone around him. He felt out of place and confused as to why he had to be the weird kid who went to therapy and took medication to feel "normal." I personally relate to this feeling because I was a complete outcast in high school and felt a very dark sense of loneliness as well. Eventually Donnie starts making connections that eases the feelings of desertion. 

After falling for his girlfriend, killing Frank, and affecting other peoples' lives, Donnie realizes he can go back in time and prevent all of this with his death. I found this to be extremely dark and uncomfortable but again, I believe it was a parable for Christ. As in, "God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son..." you get the point. In this case, the parallel is that Donnie so loved the people around him and the connections he made had fulfilled his heart and knew he could carry with him forever that he sacrifices himself for those he loved. 

I can't for the life of me figure out Frank's character. Is he supposed to be a opposing devil character that speaks horrible things into Donnie's mind? If this were the case he wouldn't have shown him how to sacrifice himself to save the others. I also don't understand the ending when Frank is shown just sitting with the bunny costume. All in all I didn't really enjoy the movie but I'm grateful to say that at least I watched it once. 

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