Donnie Darko and Dexter

I remember when first I became aware of the "cult phenomenon" Donnie Darko back in 2003. I was constantly seeing references to it on a forum I belonged to.

There were loads of avatars of "Frank," the guy in the bunny suit, as well as lots of quotes from the film in people's signature areas in their posts.

It doesn't take all that much for my curiosity to be aroused so after about 3 months of repeatedly seeing references to Donnie Darko, I rented it. I watched it by myself the first time and I must admit some of it creeped me out. It was certainly compelling though and well acted, directed, and written. And it needed to be watched again because I was certain I had missed things. Important-to-understanding-the-film things.

Today I looked up a bit of information about Donnie Darko at Wikipedia and IMDb as I haven't watched it in a couple of years and I just rented it again so I can watch it with my spouse and 15 y.o. son, whose not yet seen it. (As I mentioned earlier, Thanksgiving no big deal here though we did invite someone over this year. It was spouse's Aunt, and it turned out to be her fourth invitation to be with friends or family--and she declined us as well as she is a widow and I was told that she stays home on holidays and cries. That's pretty sad. Though I doubt she would have enjoyed Donnie Darko, I wish she'd have accepted someone's invite.) So we shall see  how younger son reacts to Donnie Darko.  He's liked a number of must-see film's that we view after I reference the film, he gets a look of wha? on his face, and I rent it so he gets the cultural reference. He's a good sport that way--though overall I don't think he thinks I've steered him wrong. Previously I've introduced him to The Simpson's--he was about age 12 at the time--and he's caught up with much of the almost 2-decades long series. And when he really wasn't listening to any music--I thought he might like Weird Al Yankovic. He loved Weird Al. So yeah, apple/tree saying applies in a number of entertainment situations. Though sometimes it is Dad's apple, an example of which is Dr. Who.

I've not had as great luck with television shows, however. After some disappointing Battlestar Galactica episodes in Season 3 he gave up on it and when I got all excited about the BSG telefilm, Razor, which premiers on American teevee on 11/24, he reminded me that he doesn't watch it anymore. <sigh>

OTOH, he started watching Showtimes's Dexter with us which is both good and bad. The sex scenes on Dexter, which are much more numerous in Season 2 as Dexter has/had 2 girlfriends, are explicit so I squirm when they are on and Dexter after all, is a serial killer--so I didn't actually suggest that my son watch the show. He started on his own by catching up on episodes over the summer. When he told me of his intentions of watching S-2 when it started, I suggested we watch together--all the more chance for discussion afterwards and as anyone who watches Dex knows--every episode is discussion-worthy.

....

Donnie Darko Fun facts: The 2001 film was made in just 28 days for 4.5 million dollars.

Tagline: Life is one long insane trip. Some people just have better directions.

Comments

[Cyn]

Hi Heather! Welcome!
Glad you liked the photo. I snapped it at a local car show that I visited with my family. I just happened to like how it came out and since I talk about my Mustang GT convertible during the nice weather each year(sort of like a very small land-based version of your gorgeous boat) the photo is a bit of reference to that as well.

Love your new blog! I'm working on one as well! Will take helpful hints! ;)
Best,
Cyn

[Heather in Beautiful British Columbia]

Hy Cyn, I clicked onto your blog when I saw your 'car' painting profile picture on the Izea forum. It's absolutely beautiful - and 'made' me look further! I'm sure it must have some special meaning in your life!!! Cheers :)