Donnie Darko Analysis

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How does the sequence in Donnie Darko that first introduces us to Middlesex High School, establish the film’s presentation of the protagonist’s conflict with the values of his wider society? In this early sequence of Donnie Darko, Richard Kelly sets out to highlight the differences between Donnie and the majority of people around him. Through the use of different film techniques Kelly shows us which characters are prepared to question the rules of their society. He introduces many of the major characters and the relationships between them. The sequence begins with a canted angle of the back of the school bus as Donnie and two friends get off. It relates to the fact that the world has become slightly mixed up and emphasises the confusion of the adolescent school experience, as well as indicating Donnie’s psychological confusion. The song playing during the scene, “Head over Heels” reinforces these ideas. The image is slightly foggy, and begins in slow motion, adding to the mystery of the sequence. The slow motion technique is used throughout the sequence to indicate meaningful and serious characters. The shot then swings to follow Donnie as he enters the school. He is separate from his friends and leads them down the hall, creating a sense of individuality. It separates him from the pack and highlights him as a superior person who is not caught up in insignificant aspects of school life. The camera then pans resulting in a point of view shot as Donnie approaches the school bully. The shot returns to slow motion, indicating that the bully doesn’t follow normal time. He goes his own way and takes nothing seriously. He is pictured in the centre, dominating the environment including Mrs Farmer, who is pressed up against a door. This positioning is representative of her relationship with students who intimidate and overpower her. She is clutching a book
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