[…] Donnie: [Talking about portals through space-time] Well, could these portals, um… Could these portals just appear anywhere, anytime? Prof. Kenneth Monnitoff: I think that’s highly unlikely. No, I think what you’re talking about is an act of God. Donnie: Well, if God controls time, then all time is pre-decided. Prof. Kenneth Monnitoff: I’m not following you. Donnie: Every living thing follows along a set path. And if you could see your path or channel, then you could see into the future, right? Like, uh… It’s a form of time travel. Prof. Kenneth Monnitoff: Well, you’re-you’re contradicting yourself there, Donnie. If we were able to see …read more […]

Have you ever noticed the similarities between Donnie Darko and Tarkovsky's last film, The Sacrifice? If you haven't seen it, it's worth it, but requires some patience, particularly if you're unfamiliar with his work (although it may be his most accessible movie), but the gist of it is similar, a personal sacrifice to avoid a catastrophic future. In The Sacrifice it's never really discussed, just played out. The result is (as I recall) the viewer is never entirely sure whether the main character is acting rationally, or if he's simply insane. Also, beautifully shot by Sven Nykvist. The last shot is an incredible ten minute take in which a house burns to the ground in the background of an emotional scene. According to Nykvist, the first time they shot it, the camera jammed. They had to take a break to raise money to get a second take.

I should say 'to avoid a catastrophic future - OR parallel reality.'