Introducing 

Prezi AI.

Your new presentation assistant.

Refine, enhance, and tailor your content, source relevant images, and edit visuals quicker than ever before.

Loading content…
Loading…
Transcript

The obvious lack of color and excessive shadowing in “Donnie Darko” portrays the struggle between the individual and society that can be seen through the tragic heroes Donnie and Gatsby; furthermore, these dull tones reveal that the perceived prosperity of eras such as the 20’s, 50’s, and 80’s were much like that of the Gilded Age in that while they may look perfect there are serious flaws beneath the surface.

Film Techniques

  • Lighting: The most significant and obvious film technique used througout the entire film. Donnie's face is always shadowed even when light is all around him. The use of, or rather lack of lighting on Donnie represents the deeper conflicts he faces as an individual in society.
  • Editing: Throughout the film many different editing techniques are used to establish different affects and emotions from the viewer. Montage editing, time compression editing, and cross cutting are all used.
  • Music: Helps to set the "mood" or feel of the film. Music will build up or down signaling a change in the plot.
  • Camera Angles: Used to give the illusion of time travel or feeling of unrest. Camera will be held sideways and at other odd angles thoughout the film. Low and high camera angles are also used to represent power.
  • Alfred Hitchock: Many of his signature film techniques are used helping the film have an eerie, horror movie feel. Examples: filming on staircase, references to his film Psycho, specific usage on montage editing, and overall lack of color.
  • Other references from other films are also used to provide a bigger impact on the controversial issue of the individual vs. society. (The rabbit hole from "Alice in Wonderland" and bike riding from "E.T".
  • "Donnie Darko" is very symbolic in regards to biblical events and popular culture figures
  • Donnie can represent a disciple (following the orders of Frank), or a messiah attempting to spread his thoughts and ideals on others through his actions
  • Frank, the Rabbit is depicted as a God-like figure, controlling Donnie's actions
  • Jim Cunningham (Patrick Swayze) is seen as an anti-Christ--or Christ, depending on one's personal views--preaching his love vs. fear radicalism and spreading his religion through extreme means
  • The film also directly parallels Alice's journey into Wonderland, because of it's use of a rabbit to portray a pathway to discovery. Frank in "Darko" leads Donnie into a world of madness and violence, while the rabbit in "Wonderland" leads Alice to a magical world of both danger and realization
  • The movie also is a dramatic representation of teen angst and frustration with a conformist society, specifically represented by Donnie's violent/outlandish behavior
  • Roberta Sparrow supposedly represents a bird, a symbol of "higher guidance" and wisdom/spirituality
  • Cherita is shown as a guardian angel, constantly in the background of scenes and around Donnie, acting as the always-watching figure who truly cares about Donnie

Great Gatsby

  • Both "Gatsby" and " Donnie Darko" place a major emphasis on time. Time is central to both the book and the film through imagery as well as discussions revolving around time
  • Both Donnie and Gatsby are tragic heroes. Both of them were alive at prosperous times in American history, but were themselves not content with their lives.

Historical Significance

  • "Donnie Darko" depicts the struggle between an individual vs. society that occurs throughout American History.
  • This film demonstrates that even in times of complacency, conformity, and prosperity things are not as wonderful as they seem
  • Through Mrs. Farmer we are shown not only America's Puritan values, but the willingness of people to blindly follow and be loyal as Mrs. Farmer is to Mr. Cunningham.
  • Both Gatsby and Donnie are tragic heroes. How is their downfall similar in relation to the American Dream and to their choices?
  • How does the portrayal of Mrs. Farmer as a conservative middleclass American relate to movements throughout history such as the Progressive movement of the early 1900's?
  • How were the film tequniques such as shadowing used to separate Donnie from the rest of the characters and show his inner conflicts?

Socratic Discussion Questions

Donnie Darko

Thesis

Symbolism

Learn more about creating dynamic, engaging presentations with Prezi