Donnie Darko is a cult classic movie that has gained a massive fan following since its release in 2001. The movie is known for its surreal and mind-bending storyline, which has left its audience intrigued and fascinated. The movie’s setting plays a crucial role in creating the right mood and ambience for the story to unfold.
The Filming Locations
The movie was shot in various locations around California. The director, Richard Kelly, chose these locations to create an eerie and unsettling atmosphere. The locations include:
Long Beach, California
The city of Long Beach was used to shoot the scenes that took place at Donnie’s high school. The school used in the movie is actually the Loyola Marymount University, which was transformed to look like a high school.
South Pasadena, California
The city of South Pasadena was used to shoot the scenes that took place at Donnie’s home. The Darko house was actually a real house located on El Centro Street. The house has since become a popular tourist attraction for fans of the movie.
Ontario, California
The city of Ontario was used to shoot the scenes that took place at the movie theater, where Donnie watches the movie “The Evil Dead.” The theater used in the movie is the Fox Theater, which has since become a popular venue for concerts and events.
The significance of the locations
The locations used in the movie were carefully selected to create an unsettling atmosphere that matched the mood of the story. The suburban setting of Long Beach and South Pasadena created a sense of normality that was later shattered by the strange events that take place in the movie.
The choice of the Fox Theater in Ontario was significant because it is a historic theater that was built in the 1920s. The theater’s ornate decor and vintage feel added to the movie’s surreal and dreamlike atmosphere.
The legacy of Donnie Darko
Donnie Darko has become a cult classic over the years, with a massive fan following that continues to grow. The movie’s unique storyline and surreal atmosphere have made it a favorite among movie buffs and critics alike.
The locations used in the movie have also become popular tourist attractions for fans of the movie. The Darko house and the Fox Theater in Ontario have become iconic landmarks for fans of the movie, who visit these locations to experience the movie’s eerie atmosphere in real life.
Conclusion
Donnie Darko was filmed in various locations around California, including Long Beach, South Pasadena, and Ontario. The locations were carefully selected to create an eerie and unsettling atmosphere that matched the movie’s surreal storyline. The movie has become a cult classic over the years, with a massive fan following that continues to grow. The locations used in the movie have also become popular tourist attractions for fans of the movie, who visit these locations to experience the movie’s eerie atmosphere in real life.