With the 2001 film “Donnie Darko” celebrating its 25th anniversary, an exclusive release of the cult classic screened in theaters all around America. Getting to watch this beloved movie on the big screen and hearing its iconic needle drops and subtle song features on a grand scale definitely outdid the experience of watching it from my laptop. “Donnie Darko" has become a staple in the online alternative space not only for its melodramatic plot and bizarre visuals, but for its masterful soundtrack.
Each song chosen for the film feels like an ode to the 80s and 90s with a perfect balance of goth and pop hits. The film opens with main character Donnie waking up early in the morning outside and far from his home unable to remember how he got there. “The Killing Moon” by Echo and the Bunnymen begins to play as the title card is presented. Donnie rides home on his bike relatively unbothered by his suggested sleepwalking. This is one of the best opening scenes in post-modern film because it automatically communicates the tone of the entire film to viewers. With its wistful sound and paired lyrics containing themes of an imminent demise, we come to know these two ideas well as the film progresses
Donnie is known to have severe mental health struggles, this affects many aspects of his characterization, namely feelings of isolation and inability to discern reality from delusions. These themes create an incredible chemistry with the most well known song of the film- “Head over Heels” by Tears For Fears. The 80s hit plays over scenes of main character Donnie and other patrons of the school existing in their natural state. The needle drop mimics the universal experience of walking through a crowded hallway in high school with your headphones on; while you are physically present, you feel separated from the moment by the music. “Head over Heels” gives the scene a dreamy flair while isolating the viewers from the actual sounds of the school, cutting off any sense of immersion. Much like Donnie, we see what is happening, but do not feel a part of it.
Not all songs have their own designated time to shine, others play softly in the background but are nonetheless impactful. A personal favorite of mine, “Love Will Tear Us Apart” by Joy Division, falls under this category. Briefly heard playing at Donnie’s Halloween Party towards the climax of the film, it accentuates this feeling of knowing your moments with someone are fleeting. Donnie knows he doesn’t have much time left as told to him by his visions of a man in a bunny costume warning of an apocalypse, but still decides to have a night of fun. The feeling of enjoying something while it lasts is common in adolescents upon approaching a “big age" or entering a new chapter in your life, but for Donnie, he’s quite literally grappling with the inevitable end of the world.
The ending is notoriously confusing with Donnie being killed by a jet engine that crashes into his room. It's suggested that the reality which Donnie has been living in since the beginning of the film was a “tangent universe,” and his death has set his universe back into place, saving everyone else. “Mad World,” by Gary Jules and Michael Andrews begins as a montage of those devastated by his death close out the film. Both the lyrics and melody of the song are heavily melancholic, leading to a memorably devastating fade away into the credits.
Honorable mentions include “Never Tear Us Apart” by INXS and “Under The Milky Way” by The Church, amongst other captivating tunes. The film, Donnie Darko discusses common coming of age tropes with a sci-fi thriller framing and the music played as the plot unfolds is masterfully chosen. While the film itself is meant to perplex the audience, it’s no mystery why Donnie Darko and its soundtrack is so beloved.