IF I COULD TURN BACK TIME

 Last night, home alone, I watched DONNIE DARKO during a vicious rain and thunder storm, just to add to the freaky atmosphere.  I don't know why it took two months to get this one into the DVD player, but I am so glad I finally did.  What a sad and beautful trip.  My love of Jake Gyllenhaal aside, this was one extraordinarily unique film.  The opening scene at the dinner table -with Jake and sister Maggie sparring hysterically - made me think I was in for some fairly standard teen-angst dramedy, but it didn't take long for things to twist in all kinds of unexpected directions.  Films about mental illness and retardation always walk a fine line, and often fall flat or are just generally insensitive, but this one succeeds brilliantly.  And after spending time with a new client yesterday who clearly has some MH issues of his own, I found myself particularly vulnerable to the depiction of Donnie's isolation.  

I would love to hear people's thoughts about Frank, and the time travel device - with all necessary spoiler alerts, of course.  I regret that I didn't see the director's cut (sorry, Dort), but I would be happy to hear what's different.  Either way, this is an astounding film.  Bravo.

Oh yeah, and one more thing.  Mary McDonnell.  I love her.  If I was in a movie, I would definitely want her to be my mom.