Donnie Darko: free film and discussion 

The psychological thriller Donnie Darko will be screened on Sunday 17 July at 7pm followed by a discussion of psychosis with a panel of experts from Macquarie University as part of the free Movies at Macquarie program.

The film will be followed by a discussion of the issues raised in the movie with experts from the Macquarie Centre for Cognitive Science (MACCS).

Donnie Darko is a disturbing film. Donnie is a bright kid who sleep-walks, time-travels, and has dozens of exciting ideas, including visions of the future and a count-down to the end of the world. But he also sets fires, talks to imaginary friends including a giant rabbit, takes medication, and sees a therapist. 

"We’re showing the film as an opportunity to break down some of the stereotypes about what psychosis is like, and what those who suffer it are like. We need to explore inaccurate perceptions of the crazy, violent, unpredictable madman. It’s far more complex than that," says cognitive neuropsychologist Dr Robyn Langdon.

"We want to provide a platform for people to ask questions and open up discussion about the nature of psychotic experience, and who it affects, so we can inform people about psychosis and provide information about access to support services," Langdon continues. "There are not many venues where people can talk about issues in mental illness."

Donnie Darko is director Richard Kelly’s first film, and the Director’s Cut will be shown at the Movies at Macquarie screening. The film has a cult following, as does its star, Jake Gyllenhaal.

Everyone is welcome at the showing, including families, although the film has an M15+ rating and is not suitable for children.

"Living with an adolescent starting to go through bizarre experiences becomes very confronting for a family," says Langdon. In the film, Donnie’s mother says in despair that she doesn’t know where her son has gone. 

One aspect of Kelly’s story-telling which Langdon notes is that "when Donnie goes off to commit his little acts of violence, there’s this malevolent grin which gives us the feeling that he knows what he’s doing. This stereotype feeds into public concern about the unpredictability of people like him, and their potential for violence. People with schizophrenia can act violently, but they’re more often the victims of violence. And when they do act violently, it’s not the stranger on the street. It’s usually within the context of the family," she says.

Langdon also questions other myths. "Kelly’s film has a fatalistic quality, but the view that young people who experience psychotic symptoms are at the beginning of an inevitable process of deterioration is not current. They may never have another experience like that again,” she notes.

Event details

Donnie Darko will screen in the Macquarie Theatre at 7pm on Sunday July 17. Bookings are not required and everyone is welcome. Admission to Movies at Macquarie is free, however parking fees apply (tickets can be purchased from vending machines in the carparks). Drinks and snacks will be on sale in the foyer.

For more information, visit the website at http://www.pr.mq.edu.au/mqmovies/ or contact Dina Mura on (02) 9850 6079 or email dina.mura@mq.edu.au

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