In Donnie Darko (2001), a movie that is as absurd as it is profound, there are several quotable moments. Still, none stand out as prominently as Kitty Farmer’s (Beth Grant) emotional outburst to Rose Darko (Mary McDonnell):“Sometimes, I doubt your commitment to Sparkle Motion.”For the context, Sparkle Motion is the school’s all-girls dance troupe that Kitty, the gym teacher, obsessively manages, and Rose’s daughter is part of it. With the group heading to Los Angeles and Kitty unable to go, she tries to rope Rose into chaperoning instead.The line practically parodies the American suburban sincerity from the early 2000s. And while doing so, it distills the world of the movie perfectly: morality is nothing more than a staged act; kids are props, and delusion is behind each inspirational poster.Today, revisiting this quote feels like we are unwrapping the era that thought everything was sorted out. But behind this pomp and glory is nothing but sheer panic. The kind of panic that makes you think a dance troupe called “Sparkle Motion” can set things right.And that’s why, in today’s world, which tries to glam up for the Insta posts so it can hide the unruliness behind, the line still holds true. Because it captures the hapless absurdity of trying to stay perfect in a world that is falling apart.The Scene: Suburban Madness of Donnie DarkoThe Facade of PerfectionDonnie Darko unravels against the backdrop of Middlesex, Virginia, a pristine suburban neighborhood. So pristine that it’s almost sterile. The lawns are immaculately mowed,...
Published By: NoFilmSchool - Thursday, 20 November