Product Research: Donnie Darko

Donnie Darko opens with pathetic fallacy of thunder which smoothly turns into birds singing, this is a generic thriller convention of a new day which could be linked to hope, or the past coming back. The new day starting in an isolated place such as a lonely hill represents the danger. The camera pans and we are introduced to a character in the isolated place which is a symbol of no army, no hope.

Alternatively, the sky gets lighter which contrast with the image of no hope, and now there may be hope for the character. Contrasts are rather popular in writing, however, in the opening sequence it makes the audience question what the narrative is. At 02:14, the character we were introduced to is smiling after seeing the atmosphere get brighter, this is very unusual because before when we are first introduced to him he is on the ground in an isolated setting.

This opening sequence personally has left me confused, and don't know whether what has happened to him or about to happen good or bad. This has really inspired me for my final product and to create an opening that confuses my audience but, also makes them want to figure it out. I think Richard Kelly has done an amazing job with the opening sequence which engages the audience with the film.