Existing Product Research - Donnie Darko

Donnie Darko

A classic feature of Donnie Darko's visual style is the liberal use of slow-motion, which is evident with the slow-motion shot of the characters jumping on the trampoline. Whilst the protagonist and damsel in distress are on the trampoline, the subtle non-diegetic music is yet suspenseful. The diegetic sound in the shot of the trampoline is the sound of birds and the gentle tap of the character's hitting the trampoline. The non-diegetic music gradually fades out after the transition, therefore only the diegetic sound of the conversation is heard. The dialogue from both characters indicates that the woman is a therapist, and Donnie is being treated by her and portrayed as slightly delusional and depressed. The protagonist's voice is heard over in this shot, meaning an L-cut is used, as you hear him before seeing him in the next shot. This allows what would have been a harsher cut, to feel like a softer, more subtle cut. The pace of the scene is due to the lack of cuts, which has been done in order to gradually build up tension and angst, making his descent into chaos even more unsettling for the audience. 

The high angle shot of the characters jumping on the trampoline, to represent the trampoline as a symbol of being fragile and innocent, more significantly the fragility and mutability of the universe. During the medium-close up of Donnie and his therapist, the camera pans towards both characters extremely slowly in order to build up suspense. The medium-close up panning towards him allows the audience to build an emotional connection to the protagonist.

In terms of mise-en-scene, the setting of the first shot is in a garden, where a trampoline sits. On the trampoline, are the two characters, Donnie and Gretchen. It cuts to the setting of a room, where Donnie, the protagonist, is now sitting on a couch. The setting resembles a home or therapists room from the 80's due to the patterns and furniture, meaning the audience can presume the film is set during this period. On the other side of the room, an older female character is sitting in a therapist's chair, indicating to the audience that she is his therapist, therefore, that Donnie is slightly delusional and depressed. The clothing of the main character is casual and laid-back, that would typically be worn by a teenager. The outfit of the older women appears professional yet casual, indicating she is doing a job. The only light source appears to be coming from the two lamps in opposite corners of the room. The lighting is low-key, and it appears that a key light, back-light, but only a small amount of filler lights have been used; This hints at the darkness in the film's theme and in the protagonist's mind, making the audience feel on edge. The fact that the director chose not to have bright lights, and mainly darkness on the protagonist's face, portrays him as mysterious and shady. This use of lighting is effective since, it creates an unrealistic atmosphere, which matches the protagonist's mind descending into chaos and disillusionment.