0
The cult classic film Donnie Darko, written and directed by Richard Kelly and starring Jake Gyllenhaal, is marking it’s 15th anniversary by making a return to cinema screens across the USA.
From March 31st, a 4K restoration of the dark movie will play in week long engagements at Cinefamily venues is Los Angeles and the Metrograph in New York, the movie is also set to play in various venues across Denver, Columbus, Pittsburgh, Phoenix and San Francisco. The following week, the movie will expand to Detroit and El Paso. The film will then also play special engagements in various other cities. The restoration, which is overseen by Arrow Films, will receive it’s US premiere on March 30 at LA’s Vista Theatre with Richard Kelly and cast members scheduled to appear.
A mind bending mix of sci-fi film and high school drama, Donnie Darko stars Jake Gyllenhaal as a troubled teenager, whose imaginary friend – a six-foot tall rabbit – alerts him that the world will end in 28 days. Gyllenhaal’s co-stars include his sister Maggie, Jena Malone, the late Patrick Swayze, Drew Barrymore, Noah Wyle and more.
“Auditioning at a young age, I was always like, ‘What are these movies about? My high school experience wasn’t like this at all,’” Gyllenhaal told PEOPLE and EW editorial director Jess Cagle last year. “And then Donnie Darko came up and I was like, ‘Oh, this feels like my high school experience.’ [Laughs.] So if that gives you any insight into who I am and how I pick roles, then I hope it does.”
Donnie Darko’s US cinema release was in October 2001, the release was however, limited to a few dozen screens in Los Angeles. Those that saw the movie, praised it highly, despite this, the film seemed destined to fade out.
The movie pulled a rabbit out of the hat though once it was released on VHS and DVD in March of 2002. This was a peaking time for home media as DVDs were increasing in popularity. Donnie Darko rapidly became a success through word of mouth in the market of home media. This helped the movie cement its status as a cult classic, including more successful UK cinema releases and success in other international markets in late 2002, leading to both the release of a director’s cut in 2004, and a less successful direct-to-video sequel, S. Darko in 2009.
Fans of the film a little closer to home can watch it at The Merchant on Slater Street in Liverpool, where Purple Revolver presents…
Grindhouse movie party – Donnie Darko anniversary screening: https://www.facebook.com/events/1017857745025640/