Donnie Darko

Donnie Darko

Year: 2001

Runtime: 113 min

Language: english

Director: Richard Kelly

Sci-FiDramaMystery

A troubled teenager narrowly escapes death when a jet engine falls through his bedroom window. Soon after, he begins experiencing bizarre visions and is visited by a man in a disturbing rabbit costume who calls himself Frank. Frank manipulates Donnie into carrying out a series of increasingly complex tasks, leading him down a path of uncertainty and challenging his understanding of reality. As the events unfold, Donnie grapples with questions of free will, destiny, and the nature of the universe.

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Timeline – Donnie Darko (2001)

Trace every key event in Donnie Darko (2001) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Introduction to Donnie Darko

Donnie Darko, a troubled teenager, navigates life in suburban Virginia while contending with issues involving his mental health. He frequently attends therapy sessions, often waking up in strange places without any memory of how he got there.

suburban Virginia
2

Encounter with Frank

On October 2, 1988, Donnie meets a mysterious figure named Frank, who is dressed in a grotesque rabbit costume. Frank ominously informs Donnie that the world will end in 28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes, and 12 seconds, marking a significant turning point in Donnie's life.

October 2, 1988
3

The Jet Engine Incident

After returning home from his encounter with Frank, Donnie is shocked to find a jet engine has mysteriously crashed into his bedroom. FAA investigators, led by Bob Garland, are unable to trace the engine's serial number, adding to the mystery surrounding Donnie's existence.

Donnie's home
4

Family Relocation

As repairs to Donnie's bedroom are needed, his family temporarily relocates to a hotel. This change introduces added tension within the family dynamics, as Donnie's mental state continues to deteriorate.

hotel
5

Rise to High School Fame

Unexpectedly, Donnie becomes a high school celebrity, gaining popularity among his peers. He begins to share his strange experiences with his psychotherapist, Dr. Thurman, unveiling the deeper implications of his visions.

high school
6

Flooding of the School

On October 6, Donnie floods the school in an act of rebellion, resulting in its closure. He leaves a cryptic message, 'They made me do it,' etched into a school sculpture, making it clear that Frank's influence is pushing him towards chaos.

October 6 high school
7

Relationship with Gretchen

During this chaotic time, Donnie begins a romantic relationship with Gretchen Ross, a new girl at school. Their bond grows stronger after Donnie defends her from bullies, creating a safe space for both amid their tumultuous lives.

high school
8

The Destructors Controversy

In class, the literary analysis of the short story 'The Destructors' causes tension, especially when Kitty Farmer blames Donnie for the recent flooding incident. This escalates Donnie's feelings of being misunderstood and under scrutiny.

classroom
9

Inspiration from Dr. Monnitoff

Donnie becomes captivated by the concept of time travel after discussions with his science teacher, Dr. Kenneth Monnitoff. This fascination leads him to seek out Roberta Sparrow, an enigmatic woman who shares insights about time and its implications.

high school
10

Diagnosis of Paranoia

On October 18, Dr. Thurman diagnoses Donnie's hallucinatory episodes as symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia. This stark revelation drives Donnie to explore darker paths, as he struggles to distinguish between perception and reality.

October 18
11

Tragic Loss of Gretchen

As tensions escalate, tragedy strikes when Gretchen is fatally struck by a car driven by a classmate named Frank Anderson. This devastating event catalyzes a storm of anger and despair within Donnie, pushing him further down a tumultuous path.

12

The Collapse of Time

Facing impending doom, Donnie confronts the fallout of his choices as he experiences a vortex of time collapsing around him. As the countdown to the predicted end nears, he must grapple with the weight of his fate and existential reflections.

13

Reversal of Fate

In a surreal turn of events, the narrative unfolds in reverse as Donnie returns to the early hours of October 2. This moment reflects the tragic resolution of his journey, filled with consequences of choices, fate, and their intertwining.

October 2
14

Legacy of Donnie Darko

As the story concludes, tension gives way to reflection among those who remained after Donnie's passing. The lingering mystery of his life and tragic conclusion leaves its mark on the characters, prompting them to ponder his impact.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 21:52

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Donnie Darko Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Donnie Darko

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Donnie Darko

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