Donnie Darko/Trivia

• Acclaimed Flop: Its theatrical run was not very financially successful, largely attributable to its unusual, difficult-to-market premise and the fact that it was given a limited theatrical run because it came out shortly after 9/11. Critics reacted well to it, however.
• Beam Me Up, Scotty: Many seem to recall Frank saying: "Why are you wearing that stupid human suit?", as opposed to man suit.
• Hey, It's That Guy!:
  • Donnie's mother is played by Mary McDonnell, who later played Laura Roslin in Battlestar Galactica. Of course, this is just singling out one actor...
  • Oh hey, it's Crazy Steve! In a movie with a crazy protagonist.
  • Also, Seth Rogen plays the bully's sidekick.
  • Also, Ashley Tisdale, as a girl with a fat sister.
  • Topher Brink is Frank's clown passenger!
  • Don't forget Drew Barrymore as the teacher!
• Playing Against Type: Patrick Swayze, known for playing smooth heroic types, as a sleazy motivational speaker who is also a child molester.
• Real Life Relative: Brother and sister Donnie and Elizabeth Darko are played by brother and sister Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal.
• Star-Making Role: This is the film that launched Jake Gyllenhaal's career.
• Throw It In: Noah Wylie deciding his character was diabetic (watch for the Jolly Rancher candies).
• Vindicated By Video: The film's cult really grew once it hit video, and with the internet becoming more commonplace led to various message boards and fan sites being created. Home video sales eventually led to the film making it's money back and spurred the creation of the (contested) Director's Cut.