Donnie Darko - Opening Analysis

The film begins with an audio bridge of thunder sounds over initial text, and then continues over the opening shot, already connoting a dark presence within the film, it also hints at the horror genre, hereby meaning that it is already beginning to build tension and suspense. As the establishing shots pan across the horizon, it contrasts to the diagetic thunder sounds as no storm is evident, this could already hint at a later theme of unusual time shifts during the film.
      Slowly the camera begins to pan to what we later discover is our central protagonist, 'Donnie' lieing on the floor, this anonymous figure on the floor builds tension and creates a feeling of mystery which becomes another one of the films major themes. As 'Donnie' begins to sit up, it becomes evident he is alive, so there is a release of some pent up tension, however, as the camera approaches him subtle non-diagetic keyboard tones are added and echo, implicates sadness up on the character, making him more relatable to the audience, so they begin to build a connection with Donnie. It then cuts to more establishing scenery shots, which could even be a point of view shot, showing contemplation, only reinforcing the emotion of sadness.
       However, soon after this Donnie then stands, obstructing our view of the scenery, turns, and begins smiling to himself. We as the audience are unsure of why he does this, however it affirms the audiences admiration for our protagonist and develops the already heightened bond between the viewer and 'Donnie'. After this the screen goes white, almost like an explosion, and the  immediately fades out to 'Donnie' on his bike, riding down a road in the mountains. He yawns and wipes his eyes as he rides, connoting that it is very early in the morning, the sunrise also provides an assurance of this. Donnie's attire is a pajama set which creates some questions, on behalf of the audience as we begin to deliberate on why, for whatever reason, he may be in his sleep clothes. This is a key aspect of thrillers, to always force the audience to question the plot, instead of spoon feeding every small detail, like in many Hollywood action and adventure films.
       The song ''The Killing Moon'' by 'Echo and the Bunnymen' (Bunnymen also has an association with the remainder of the film) begins to play as Donnie rides. This quintessential 1980's song gives an idea of the time period that the film is set. The songs name and lyrics also connect to the thriller/science fiction aspects of the film.
       As Donnie continues to ride he journeys through his town, which is 'Richard Kelly's' (director) way of establishing the setting, and some important information without any dialogue at all. For example 'Donnie' rides passed a sign which states the dates of a halloween carnival, denoting the season, and even month in which the film is set. Establishing shots of the town as he rides reveal it to be a middle class suburban town in America, we see some women walking in shell suits, again giving some evidence of the 80's time period. As 'Donnie' rides in to his home, we see his father doing average chores (leaf blowing) administrating once again the normal life they have, he then continues to blow a younger female with the apparatus, during which slow motion is employed, this adds comedic value and is a welcomed change of emotion. As 'Donnie' passes through his home, we are drawn to a message that reads 'Where is Donnie?' this connotes that he goes missing quite often and instead of calling the police, they simply broadcast a message to the family.
        'Donnie Darko' remains to be one of my favourite films, and i believe 'Kelly' has created a wonderfully simple but effective, mysterious opening, of which i always enjoy.