Donnie Darko - Analysis

Donnie Darko 

Mise en Scene

The location of the film is in a school with kids dressed in uniforms. There are parts of the opening when some parts of the opening the characters are moving in slow motion and in fast forward. Certain situations are focused on more and have more camera time for example the boy who is taking drugs. Some of the characters come across as troubled or depressed. There are lots of props used such as the teacher carrying books and the students carrying bags and books. The lighting in the hallway is quite dark and dim which gives the opening a very serious feel, there is a big contrast to this when the teacher  and the student go through the door and there is a strong beam of light. 

Editing & Camera 

The editing in the opening film varies from being in slow motion, which at first gives off a chilled feel, but working with the Mise en Scene, it makes the scene very surreal, to being fast motion and the contrasts between the slow and fast motion tells the audience that something isn't right as it messes with the viewer's eyes and mind.

The very first shot is of the characters at a tilted angle and then moves into a normal eye-level shot, and along with the slow motion editing automatically tells the viewer there isn't something right, psychologically. Also, the whole scene is one continous shot of all the characters which makes it easy to establish all the different types of characters, but could tell us they're all united and the same in one way.

Character





Troublemaker - the type of character that will end up in big trouble or go down the wrong path or die.










Good boy/Teacher's pet - seems like the type that is very helpful towards teachers and other students.


Fat girl/Loner - seems like she has no friends and gets picked on a lot.



Stoners - the type of people that everyone goes to and has everything for everyones needs. he's the 'go to' guy.

Pretty girl - seems like the type of girl that goes out with bad guys but at the end of the film, end ups going with the good guy.













Strict teacher - seems like the type that no one likes.

Young Cheerleaders/Wannabes - young girls wanting to become cheerleaders. they're very enthusiastic and jolly.