Donnie Darko - Cinema Scene

Mise en Scene

In this clip, the cinema is empty and is set in a low key lighting setting. The fact the cinema is empty highlights the surreal feel of the film and how every aspect of the movie is purposely made to convey the abstract parallel universe Donnie feels he is in. Furthermore, the only people being in Donnie's company being Frank and his girlfriend, may connote how no one is aware about Donnie's mind and how its an oblivion in everyones world. This makes the film almost a never ending dream for Donnie (and the audience as well). 

Secondly, Donnie's girlfriend being asleep and sat between Donnie and Frank, portray how un aware she is of Donnie's world; hence why she is asleep rather than awake. She acts as a barrier between the two and symbolises the obstruction between them both. As a barricade, it may suggest that Donnie's is fascinated by Frank - however, this character may be Donnie's id (devil like figure compared to super ego). 

Camera Shots

In the clip above, a classic two shot is displayed at the start of the scene. This two shot of Donnie and his girlfriend convey a comical aspect. This is due to a girlfriend and boyfriend usually knowing everything about each other and this is not the case for the scene above. The two shot connotes the secrecy of Donnie and how symbolises the pre conscious part of his mind. Furthermore, the two shot simply implies how Donnie's character is capable of a lot more than what his surrounding friends/family let on. This also can apply for the audience as well. 

As the two shot cuts, into a three shot, it emphasises the juxtaposition of Donnie's girlfriend and Frank. The three shot displayed as a strong symbol of how Donnie views things in ways that people cannot see; hence why the girlfriend is asleep. Frank's character looking towards Donnie and over the girlfriend, signifies the potential danger Donnie could be to the real world and how his mind is too complex to be able to survive in a non parallel universe. 

This close up of Frank, presents to the audience the details of Frank and the fascination Donnie seems to have with this character. Additionally, the details of Frank's face almost threaten the audience and may give a sinister sense to the film. This also being set in a low key lit setting, implies that the director intended to keep Frank's identity a mystery to an extent. 

Sound

Diegetic Sound - In the clip, from 0:00 - 0:20 the diegetic sound of the film they appear to be watching becomes non diegetic as it stops in the movie they're watching but not for the audience. This creates suspense as the deep drum hitting in the scene may increase the frightening aspect of the scene. Before we even see Frank, we know something is about to happen due the drum noises foreshadowing an inevitable surprise. 

Music - As the drum hitting continues, the sound of gospel Oprah voices enter. This use of non diegetic music highlights the celestial aspect of the film. This may interpret the how Donnie's mind is set in an immortal mode where he is indestructible. Hence the absence of fear when Frank's character is present. 

Editing

Cut - The clip above shows a simple cut at 0:41. The simple use of a cut between Donnie and Frank's frames highlight the simplicity of the scene. This juxtaposes to the perplexing storyline. The use of a cut can create a basic scene. However, in this specific film the several uses of cuts between two characters connotes a lethargic tone. Overall this represents the film cleverly. - a film in this genre sometimes needs basic editing to let the dialogue/camera shots/Mise en scene confuse the audience and to portray the puzzling story line. 

Reaction Shot - There is also a Reaction Shot in the clip from the Donnie Darko film. The reaction shot in the clip is at 0:28 - 0:32. In the movie (especially in this clip) there is an evident continuous use of interactional synchrony between Donnie's actions and Frank's. This includes a sense of familiarity and therefore makes us believe Donnie is less normal than what we (audience) believe.