I finally did it...

[plunkybug]

I saw Donnie Darko. If I had a dollar for every person who told me I should see it...

Anyhow, it was at The Enzian for $5 earlier this evening. I am tired so I don't have that much to say about it right now. I can say, however, that I no longer hate Gary Jules' version of "Mad World" anymore. I always thought it was overrated. I still like the original best, though I don't mind the slower pace...never did. Roland and Curt have even begun performing it slower when they play live, like Gary Jules' version. It was always the voice that bothered me. Too wavery and weak, I think. Maybe now I can say creepy? Haunting? I am glad I can be open-minded enough to judge the same song in different context, with different eyes, for a reinterpretation. I think it is wonderful what music can do.

Comments

[realitystylist.livejournal.com]

I love that movie. And to think the filmmaker who wrote and directed it was only about 23 or 24 when he made it makes me so jealous. I wish I could have some up with something that brilliant when I was that young.

[plunkybug.livejournal.com]

I think that is a coomon thing to feel...we want to have a peak early on, and ride it along for a while. I wonder if he ever did anything else? I know that they guy who wrote Eragon was only 15 or so when he wrote it, but I believe he wrote at least one more book.

[realitystylist.livejournal.com]

The guy who made Donnie Darko doesn't appear to have made anything nearly as good since. I think he may have peaked with that one.

[plunkybug.livejournal.com]

Well, they do have a name for that sort of thing for a reason. :P

[joscobo.livejournal.com]

I liked Donnie Darko. It was just way different than anything else I've seen probably. T.J. bought it for me but I have never had the mood strike me to watch it again.

[plunkybug.livejournal.com]

I think I will see it again. They were supposed to show the original 35 mm print but they were having audio issues, so in the end they played the original cut on DVD, only the projection was a bit too dark, so it was hard to catch some details. I also want to see the Director's cut, and am intrigued to see it again after having read the FAQs online last night.

[mamarose.livejournal.com]

So what did you think of the film?

[plunkybug.livejournal.com]

Well, the first thing is that the lighting was off...it was way darker than it should have been, so it made it hard to catch some of the details. I had thought that maybe it was because it was an indy film, but even indy films know how to light properly. I was told later it was not the film, but the projection from the DVD, since the 35mm print had audio issues. So I do want to see it again. Anyhow...

I generally liked the film, even if I did get a bit lost, which I know had some part to do with the lighting, but also because it was the original cut, which I have read since seeing it, leaves out some things that make the movie more understandable. Typically the Director's cut is the definitive version, but there is some debate with this film whether it ruins the mysteriousness of the film. I guess I will have to check out the DC on DVD sometime. I am not sure I was convinced that Drew Barrymore was a school teacher, though I was convinced that Patrick Swayze was a skeezy person. I like Gena Malone (loved her in Saved!) and I think she was fine here too. I liked the music naturally, though I felt it was a little unnatural in some places.

I really think that seeing it again with proper lighting will be good, and with the knowledge from the FAQs I saw last night on IMDB, I should be able to follow more closely and look for things that I was not able to catch with this first viewing.

[maggie226.livejournal.com]

I have been meaning to call you- in the interest of "getting back to normal" I am having a PartyLite party on Friday (7pm) and was wondering if you would like to come? They have some new things out- new scents of candles as well as new candle holders. I couldn't recall what your schedule is with work on Friday nights, but it would be nice to see you if you can come.

(Oh and it's a different PL gal, so it should be a good show.)

[plunkybug.livejournal.com]

I work til 7:30, though if I keep getting Vista calls where the new OS will not work, like tonight, I might feasably get out much later. I could try to have Chas bring your stuff when he picks me up and then drop me off there when I am off.

[maggie226.livejournal.com]

Okay, well, it would be lovely to see you and we should have some yummy food too. If you can swing by, that would be great. Obviously, I know that sometimes plans don't quite work out so perfectly, but if things fall into place, please do come!

[plunkybug.livejournal.com]

Can you call me that day to remind me, or email? I have a doctor appointment tomorrow and may get on drugs that may alter my mental state. :P

[bosbullterrier.livejournal.com]

First, "Doctor Who". Now, "Tears for Fears". Samantha steals my "Sowing the Seeds of Love" Tour shirt once and awhile. I do want to bring her to a Tears for Fears concert the next time they're around the area.

[plunkybug.livejournal.com]

I love TFF. The Hurting is probably my favorite, having read a good number of chapters into Janov's "Primal Scream" way back when. The Seeds of Love is my second favorite, or it ties for first, but there is more sentimental reasoning as this was one of the first cassettes I ever bought.

Donnie Darko

[(Anonymous)]

Jim Donato here:

I kept reading references to it and we rented it [director's cut version] a few years ago when it came out on DVD. It was interesting enough to watch but ultimately I thought "So what." I only found out after watching it just HOW big a cult had been formed around this movie and I didn't by a long shot find it that compelling. And for the record, I thought the "Mad World" cover was lame.

Re: Donnie Darko

[plunkybug.livejournal.com]

Chas knew about the cult following beforehand, and had seen bits and pieces, but in the end I think he feels much the way you do, with regards to "So what," which may be a direct result of the sheer numbers of good film he sees.

Thanks for stopping by Jim. :)

Re: Donnie Darko

[(Anonymous)]

I have to stop by. It's the only way I get to find out what you and Charles are up to any more since his blog is never updated! How was the trip to the West coast. I found out about this via a comment thread I started to Ron Kane's blog. Any special reason for the trip or did you just want to see friends?

Re: Donnie Darko

[plunkybug.livejournal.com]

Ah, I see. He has been bad about updating, and it is usually more of a rant. :P I don't always post publically, because there are some shit-faced people out there, you know?

Trip to LA was mostly good...a little drama, but still a higher percentage of good to bad. The get together with Ron at the Tattle Tale was great. What a skeezy old place that is. :P The Doctor Who con was great as always. :)