The Donnie Darko Book by Richard Kelly

Donnie Darko

A cult classic, Donnie Darko has been on the radar for mostly teens ever since it came out in 2001. I remember watching it roughly 2001 or 2002 on DVD (Director’s Cut), and I remember getting this book soon afterwards from a nearby library book sale (either Hershey’s or Hummelstown’s or Middletown’s), because I was – as a typical high school teen – very intrigued by all the pseudo thought and intellectualism that I thought was in the movie. Similarly Matrix captivated me around that time for how it felt so much deeper than it was.

Rereading it now, as a 38 year old, I feel like I might be due for a re-watch of the movie… but at the same time, the screenplay didn’t exactly fill me with much joy at the idea of it. It vastly feels like it shoots above its mark, and it has that fake ‘deeper than it is’ symbolism we all view a lot of movies with as teenagers. This was an era where I was watching The Matrix, Fight Club, Donnie Darko, Star Wars, and lots of other ‘cult classic’ style movies that felt deeper and darker and more intriguing that I now suspect many aren’t.

GoodReads Blurb

‘Extraordinary . . . Film of the year.’ Sleazenation
‘Magnificently bizarre . . . Wonderful.’ Empire
‘Unlike anything you’ll have seen before . . . Honestly mind-blowing.’ BBC Radio 1
‘Stunning . . . Totally original.’ Time Out
‘Dazzling . . . Demands a second viewing.’ Total Film

The critical and audience response made Donnie Darko the cult film of the year – one whose dark ambiguities caused audiences to go back to the film again and again trying to fathom its mysteries.

This book brings its readers further into the world of Donnie Darko and its creator Richard Kelly. Contained within these pages are an in-depth interview with Richard Kelly who recounts the gestation of the film; the screenplay; photos and drawings from the film and artwork inspired by it.

Donnie Darko will never surrender up all its mysteries, but this book will be an indispensable guide into its intriguing world.

The Donnie Darko Book (by Richard Kelly) – GoodReads

Book Review

In the vast landscape of film companion books, “The Donnie Darko Book” by Richard Kelly, the director and writer of the cult-classic film “Donnie Darko,” stands out as a compelling deep dive into one of the most enigmatic movies of the early 2000s. For fans of the film—a dark, twisting tale of teenage angst interwoven with elements of psychological thriller and science fiction—this book offers an invaluable behind-the-scenes look and enriches the viewing experience with profound insights and intriguing details.

The book is neatly divided into two main sections: the screenplay of the film, and an interview with Richard Kelly conducted by Kevin Conroy Scott. Accompanied by an introduction by Jake Gyllenhaal (who played Donnie Darko), the book not only provides the screenplay but also delves into the complex layers and artistic vision behind the movie’s creation.

Reading the screenplay is an illuminating experience. It gives fans the opportunity to relive the movie in a raw and unfiltered form. Kelly’s writing reveals the intricacies of each scene and dialogue, shedding light on the enigmatic symbols and themes that the film explores. This part of the book is particularly enjoyable for those who seek to understand how the film was crafted from script to screen, including the subtle cues and visual symbolism that might be missed on first viewing.

The interview section is where the book truly shines. Richard Kelly offers extensive insights into his thought process, the challenges he faced during production, and the philosophical underpinnings of the film. His discussions cover a range of topics from the influences of other media and personal experiences that shaped the narrative, to his interpretations of the film’s ambiguous elements. This conversation is not just an interview; it’s an introspective journey into Kelly’s creative mind, revealing how deeply personal and yet universally resonant “Donnie Darko” is.

What is perhaps most striking about “The Donnie Darko Book” is how it addresses the myriad interpretations and theories that have surrounded the film since its release. Kelly discusses these various perspectives without definitively stating one “correct” interpretation, thereby inviting readers to explore their own meanings in the layered storytelling.

The book is also sprinkled with black and white stills from the movie, which add a visual element that complements the textual content. While these images are a nice addition, readers might find themselves wishing for a bit more—a few more behind-the-scenes photos or sketches might have added an extra layer of depth to the visual storytelling.

In summary, “The Donnie Darko Book” is an essential read for fans of the film. It not only enhances the understanding of the movie’s complex narrative and thematic elements but also serves as a testament to the enduring impact of “Donnie Darko” on contemporary cinema. Whether you’re a longtime admirer or a new fan, this book is a fascinating exploration into one of the most compelling cinematic puzzles of our time.

My GoodReads Rating: ***
My LibraryThing Rating: ***

I ping-ponged back and forth on my rating, debating if I wanted to go with a 2 star rating or a 3 star rating, and a 2.5 rating on LibraryThing (where it lets you do halves unlike GoodReads), but decided I would be generous and keep it at 3 stars. My angsty teenage self had left two rating reviews for the book (but no written review) and they were both 2 stars and 3 stars. And interestingly enough, I feel the same way. Wonder why I felt like 2 and 3 stars was what it deserved back then compared to now… perhaps I even had the same thoughts, not quite sure.

Global Average GoodReads Rating: 4.19 (as of 3.21.24)

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Thank You For Reading

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The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #7 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #8 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of January 2023.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

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Happy Thanksgiving

First off, let’s just jump in and dive in and say Happy Thanksgiving everyone. If you are American, you’ve probably been awoken to about a thousand e – mails from every company you’ve ever signed up with wishing you Happy Thanksgiving (…thanks Amazon …. thanks Target …. thanks K-Mart…. thanks Sears…)

Now that we got all that out of the way, while you are sitting around, watching the World Cup, or watching the parade, or getting food ready for your greedy family that is about to descend upon your household (remember, lock up the Trillium, the Tree House, the Other Half, the good beers… let them have the back of the fridge Hams and PBR’s), let’s get to discussing some craft beer news.

Round Guys Brewpub in Lansdale

Just 28 minutes ago (as of this writing), Round Guys Brewing Company’s Facebook page made this post about their brewpub in Lansdale Pennsylvania:

We want to thank everyone for showcasing the support, faith, and love of Round Guys, delicious local beer, and all things Lansdale that helped us grow into who we are today. We’re excited to share news of the changes coming to our pub that some of you may already know about.

Starting in January, Round Guys Brewing Company’s Brewpub will look a bit different than it does today. We’re joining forces with the same folks that brought you Butcher and Barkeep, and Northbound.

The new revamp is tentatively named “Round House.” At the end of the day, we took our pub experience as far as we could and opted to partner up w folks who can continue and surpass our mark.

Expect a facelift with some added seating in the coming months. Anticipate brilliant cocktails and delicious PA wine offerings. But most of all, know that the same beer you know, love and enjoy today will remain available on draft, in flights, and in 4 packs. All events remain in place, including Lansdale’s oldest running drag show, b/c the show MUST go on!

We built this link to help sherpa along our biggest fans to new updates and changes. Expect to see all news and any interviews be collected here. We can’t wait to show you what’s in the works! https://roundguysbrewery.com/round-house-lansdale

Round Guys Brewing Company – Facebook Post

I foresee a lot of Family Guy style “Round House” (ala Road House) jokes coming in the near future.

From the above linked website, in their “About the Establishment” portion, they state:

Round Guys Brewing Company announces a new partnership with JGCE, LLC to create and manage a new brewpub experience in Lansdale, PA.

Round Guys Brewing Company opened its doors in 2012 as Lansdale’s First Craft Brewery. The 324 W. Main St. establishment housed the original 7 barrel brewhouse and eventually expanded to the full service pub that resides there today. Current brewing operations moved across the street to 315 Derstine Ave, in the former “Reporter” Building.

JGCE, LLC currently runs and manages two establishments: Butcher and Barkeep, and Northbound.

Round House – Lansdale – About the Establishment

About Round Guys Brewing Company

According to Untappd, Round Guys Brewing Company is a brewpub in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. As of 11.24.22 they have 476 unique beers and 85, 917 ratings with a global average unique rating of 3.53. Their Untappd description reads: “A brew Pub in Lansdale with tasting rooms in Glenside and a Live entertainment venue called The Underground”

Scott Rudich is co-owner, head brewer, and one of the nicest guys around. He runs what he calls the oldest drag show in Lansdale.

For more information on Round Guys Brewing Company, you can check out their following links:

• Round House – Lansdale
• Round Guys Brewing Company (Untappd)
• Round Guys Brewing (Official Website)
• Round Guys Brewer – Twitter (note – it looks like this page has been somewhat recently deactivated)
• Round Guys Brewing Company (Facebook)
• Round Guys Brewing Company (Instagram)
• Round Guys – Round House – Facebook Announcement

Brewery News

Interested in finding out about many other brewery openings, new locations, closings, movings, and in general brewery news? You can check out our links below:

• Other Half Brewing Company Opening Friday 2.18.22 in Philadelphia
• Midwest Coast Brewery Opening
• Brewery Opening: Howling Henry’s (Hummelstown)
• Brewery Opening: Highway Manor (Camp Hill)
• Brewery Opening: Rotunda Brew Pub (Hershey)
• Is JB LoveDraft’s Opening a Brewery?
• Tattered Flag at Hollywood Casino – Grantville – Opening Their 5th Location
• JB LoveDraft’s Grand Opening (Mechanicsburg)
• ZeroDay Opens Their New Tap Room (Harrisburg)
• Victory Brewery Fire and Explosion (Kennett Square)
• Sign of the Horse Brewery is Expanding in Hanover (Taking Over the Old Miscreation Brewery)
• Brewery Tour: Couch Brewery (Pittsburgh)
• Brewery Visit: Mellow Mink (Mechanicsburg)
• A Sneak Peak at the new Rubber Soul Brewery (Hummelstown)
• Rubber Soul Grand Opening (Hummelstown)
• VooDoo Lancaster Closing
• River Bend Hop Farm and Brewery Closes
• Grand Opening of Hemauer Brewing (Mechanicsburg)
• Rally Point Tap Room Opening – Cox Brewing Company – Elizabethtown
• Spigot Brewing Closes
• Full Pint Brewing Closes
• Night Shift Brewing Cancels Expansion
• Mikkeller Brewing NYC Closes Permanently
• Pilger Ruh Brewing Needs Your Help (Pottsville)
• Official BBQ (Pizza Boy Secondary Location) (Rutherford)
• Aslin Beer Co. Now Ships to Pennsylvania
• Boneshire Brew Works to Open Second Taproom in Harrisburg (Harrisburg)
• Aslin Beer Company Confirms Expanding to Pittsburgh
• Rural City Beer Company Coming to Beamstown PA
• Grand Opening of Forest and Main’s New Brewpub
• New Bells-gium – New Belgium Owned Company Buys Bell’s Brewery
• Human Robot Expanding to Jenkintown
• High Road Brewing Company Coming to Camp Hill, Pennsylvania in Summer 2022
• YAH Brewing’s First Can Drop
• RAR Brewing’s Star Wars Can Drop
• Arboretum Trail Brewing Company Opens Their Doors Tomorrow
• Macklin Brewing Company in Development
• Michaux Brewing Company Grand Opening
• Shy Bear Brewing Announces Two New Locations
• Newfangled Brew Works Announces Closure
• Fourscore Beer Company Celebrates Their 3rd Anniversary
• Penn Brewery Announces Sale and Owner’s Retirement
• Voodoo Brewing Company To Open Brewpub on North Shore of Pittsburgh – August 27th
• Truth Beer Company’s Grand Opening
• Sobel’s Obscure Brewery’s Grand New Location and Opening
• Boneshire Brew Works Celebrates 6th Anniversary
• Funk Brewing Company – Elizabethtown Brewery – Fire
• Funk Brewing Company – Elizabethtown Brewery – Fire Update
• Victory Taproom in Kennett Square Re – Opens
• Pour Man’s Brewery Is Moving Their Tap Room
• Qatar Bans Alcohol Sales at World Cup 2022
• Second Sin Brewery Company Celebrates Third Anniversary
• Round Guys Brewing Company’s Brewpub in Lansdale is Getting a Revamp
• Brewery Openings – Archives

Thanks For Reading

Just want to again thank everyone for reading. Since its Thanksgiving and all I should say what all I am thankful right? How else would everyone know I am a grateful person? All jokes aside, I am thankful for all of you who come to the blog and check us out. Read our articles, click our links, watch our video game streams, podcasts, videos, and everything else you do here. You can continue to support us by liking our pages, subscribe to us, follow us, and share our posts on social media. It is really, really, really, really, really appreciated! (And doing all of that is free too!) There is also monetary ways you can support the page as well (check the following paragraphs to see how).

So in that regards, the things that I’d like to say I’m thankful and grateful for are – firstly all those in my life; like Amy, Scarlet Emma, my family, my friends. As well as all of you dear readers, subscribers, and followers. Thank you all.

Scott Rudich is a good guy that we’ve talked to over the years here with the blog, personally and through the blog, especially during COVID – 19 and everything that went on during the pandemic. Please get out to Lansdale and support Round Guys. They are high up on our list of places to get to now that Scarlet Emma is born and we will get back out to traveling a bit more. They greatly deserve your support and I hope you will make it an effort to get out and visit them.

Once again, Happy Thanksgiving everyone. May your day be full of great food, great beer, good football, even better futbol and wonderful time with family and friends.

Cheers All!

-B. Kline

As always, thank you everyone for reading! Leave your likes, comments, suggestions, questions, etc, in the comments section. Or use the Feedback – Contact Us – page, and we’ll get right back to you! You can also reach out to us at our direct e-mail address: thebeerthrillers@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting our blog. Please make sure to follow, bookmark, subscribe, and make sure to comment and leave feedback and like the blog posts you read. It will help us to better tailor the blog to you, the readers, likes and make this a better blog for everyone.

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

Please be sure to follow us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Influence. Please be sure to also follow, like, subscribe to the blog here itself to keep updated. We love to hear from you guys, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

You can now find us on our Discord Server here: The Beer Thrillers (Discord Server). We’ve also joined LinkTree to keep track of all of our social media pages, as well as hot new articles we’ve written.

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #7 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #9 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

You can also check out our partnership and affiliation with Pretzels.com, where ordering pretzels and using our affiliate code will help you get wonderful pretzels and help us maintain and keep this blog running. Thank you!