Science On Screen: Donnie Darko October 9, 2006

One of our biggest midnite hits, It's been almost two years since we last screened this mind-bending thriller. Now, we are proud to announce its return to the Coolidge in its original theatrical version in a co-presentation by Science on Screen and our month-long Sundance series.

Set in a Virginia suburb against the backdrop of the 1988 presidential campaign, DONNIE DARKO tells the story of a troubled teen whose hallucinations may be just a product of his own brewing schizophrenia or the keys to averting the end of the world. Jake Gyllenhaal is Donnie, the young anti-hero led by cryptic messages from a sinister 6-foot rabbit named Frank. He tells Donnie that the clock is ticking down to the apocalypse and urges him to commit destructive acts that spark controversy and upheaval in the conservative community, and ultimately push him towards his tragic destiny. A sci-fi thriller with a philosophical bent, DONNIE DARKO also features an excellent supporting cast, including Jena Malone as Donnie's first love and Patrick Swayze as a creepy self-help guru.

Our guest speaker for this special screening is Bruce M. Cohen, M.D., Ph.D. Dr. Cohen is Director of the Shervert Frazier Research Institute and the Stanley Research Center at McLean Hospital and leads a consortium of investigators and clinicians using laboratory, brain imaging and clinical research techniques to develop new treatments of the most severe psychiatric disorders. His research activities focus on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorders, and psychiatric disorders of late life. Dr. Cohen is a Laureate Investigator of the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression and is the author of numerous publications.
dir. Richard Kelly, w/ Jake Gyllenhaal, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Mary McDonnell, Drew Barrymore, and Patrick Swayze, 1h53m

The Boston area is filled with academic superstars - so why not bring them to the movies? With Science On Screen, we present a feature film or documentary with a basis in science, along with exciting introductions by noted scientists in a related field.

Science on Screen programs are $9.50 regular admission, or $7.50 for seniors, students, and Museum of Science members.

Members of the Coolidge Corner Theatre get FREE admission to these shows.

The Science on Screen series is co-presented by The Museum of Science and New Scientist magazine. Special thanks to our fiscal sponsors: Alex & Brit d'Arbeloff; Bay State Federal Savings and Charitable Foundation; Gesmer Updegrove, LLP; The Hamilton Company; Harold and Maura Brown; and to our series creator, Richard Anders.

Official Website: http://www.coolidge.org/node/259