Next month, the British Film Institute celebrates the 15th anniversary of the iconic cult classicDonnie Darkowith a theatrical re-release showcasing the film’s new 4K restoration. Today we have a new trailer for the re-release, which is only happening in the U.K., with screenings on December 19, 20, 22 and 23. The film will also include an introduction from writer-directorRichard Kelly.
BFIdebuted this new trailer yesterday, which allows fans to revisit thiscult classic, even if you can’t make it to the U.K. for this re-release. It’s unclear if there are plans for a 4K re-release in the U.S., either in theater or on home video. Here’s the official description of this re-release from theBFIwebsite.
“This mind-bending cult classic gets a loving restoration. October, 1988. In the middle of the night, a man in a monstrous rabbit suit appears to Donnie Darko (Jake Gyllenhaal), a troubled teenager living with his family in suburban Virginia, to tell him that the world will end in 28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes and 12 seconds. And so, a cult movie is born. As Donnie’s grip on reality weakens, we’re drawn into the darkness that lurks underneath the surface of suburbia. Underappreciated upon its initial release in 2001,Richard Kelly’s mind-bending film gets the 4K restoration treatment and is ripe for rediscovery on the big screen.”
The supporting cast forDonnie DarkoincludesJena Malone,Maggie Gyllenhaal,Daveigh Chase, who would go on to portray Samara in the 2002 thrillerThe Ring,Mary McDonnell,James Duval,Patrick Swayze,Noah Wyle,Drew BarrymoreandSeth Rogen, in his feature film debut. The film only made $517,375 in its initial box office run, with a lifetime total of $1.2 million that includes theatrical re-releases. The film went on to become a cult classic shortly after its brief theatrical release, which even spawned a spin-off entitledS. Darko, set seven years after the original film and centering onDonnie Darko’s sister, Samantha (Daveigh Chase).
Several years ago, there were rumors that a thirdDonnie Darko moviewas in the works at 20th Century Fox, but that never materialized. FilmmakerRichard Kellywould go on to write and directSouthland TalesandThe BoxafterDonnie Darko, and he also wrote the screenplay forDomino. He has also served as a producer forOperation: EndgameandI Hope They Serve Beer In Hell. Take a look at the 4K re-release trailer forDonnie Darko.
