Get down with Frank the Rabbit as this one off event brings cult film Donnie Darko back to life.
Well, here’s something a bit different: The Donnie Darko Halloween House Party, which hits Naarm/Melbourne on Friday, June 6. A bit outside BLUNT’s usual wicket, you might think, but weird enough to warrant a once over.
You remember Donnie Darko, of course. That’s the time-twisty 2001 feature debut of briefly-hot director Richard Kelly, which saw Jake Gyllenhaal as the titular troubled teen. A surreal and intricately plotted coming of age story, involving time travel, first love, self-sacrifice, and a guy in a rabbit suit, its perfectly calibrated mix of teen angst, knowing weirdness, and ’80s bangers made it aa prime candidate for cult status. Don’t bother with the director’s cut, mind you. Or the 2009 sequel, S. Darko. Only the original theatrical cut is worth your time.
Well, now Donnie’s back in rave form! Cinaesthesia Productions are transforming Melbourne Pavilion into a “multi-sensory playground” to recreate the world of the indie darling. Expect live DJs, ambient soundscapes, immersive set design, atmospheric lighting, themed bars, costumed characters and “unexpected narrative touches” all designed to “blur the line between reality and fiction”.
And if you fancy catching the movie, it’ll be playing on a continuous loop in a dedicated room.
And speaking of costumed characters, Donnie Darko star James Duval, Frank the Rabbit himself, is gonna be there. “After seeing Cinaesthesia Productions’ setup of the Halloween party for Donnie Darko at the sold-out London UK event,” Duval is quoted as saying. “I was just blown away! Beyond all expectations!! What’re you doing on June 6, Melbourne? Maybe I’ll see you at the next one…wearing your stupid man suit!”
We respect an actor who still remembers his lines almost 25 years later.
By all accounts the debut London event was a blow out. Fans of cult cinema, getting absolutely twisted, or both should point themselves at the official site for tix and info. VIP meet and greets are available, so if you snag one of those, be sure to ask Duval about his work with Gregg Araki. He’ll appreciate it.
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