Mindfull

The end of the world. This is a concept that has probably been somewhere on our minds since we were first introduced to it, and one that only seems to be becoming more of a reality for many individuals. In fact, according to a poll presented by Reuters, one in seven people worldwide believes that the world will end in their lifetime. This ‘anti’-worldview, which that is evidently shared by so many, if taken to the extreme, could be assumed to indicate an that individual’s capacity and taste for building relationships: and this couldn’t be more true for Donald (Donnie) Darko, the main protagonist in the 2001 cult-classic “Donnie Darko” , who is payed a visit by a demonic bunny-rabbit, Frank, who then shares the exact time it would take until the world would come to an end.

This film does a fantastic job in demonstrating this concept to viewers as well as fitting into it, the feeling of angst that is common in adolescents. Throughout the film we find that Donnie’s behavior is quite ranging; though it is not limited to it we find that Donnie can harbor negative qualities: in one scene he is arguably verbally abusive with his mother and in another, confesses his perceived meaninglessness of relationships to his therapist. This is hinted to be tied to the fact that Donnie seems to have a dark cloud over him and is certain of the world’s demise.

At the conclusion of the movie, we find that the universe is in fact in fear of termination though Donnie ultimately seemingly sacrifices himself to save it -- and though he does die alone, he does so on basis of the connections he had with others, those who he is shown to have actually cared for, such as Gretchen, his girlfriend. Perhaps if his hallucinations didn’t turn out to be a real anomalous cosmic event, Donnie would have made himself better aware of the value of the relationships he had towards himself and especially others (i.e. his mother and sister).