Jim Cunningham

Jim Cunningham is a fictional individual from the movies, Donnie Darko. Jim Cunningham is performed via Patrick Swayze.

How do I apprehend this movie?

There is a UK internet site that offers a wonderful explanation, and exchange theories.This is the best useful resource i have observed. After studying it, I rewatched the movie and it changed into a completely specific experience.You also can look up The Philosophy of Time Travel, the fictitious ebook within the film written with the aid of Roberta Sparrow.

Should I watch the authentic version or Director's Cut? What are the differences?

Some select the unique release as it leaves a great deal of the that means of the occasions in the movie to the viewer's very own imagination, even as others select the director's cut because it makes the movie a touch easier to recognize. The choice is as much as the viewer. The Director's Cut has approximately 20 mins greater pictures, a few changes to the tune order inside the soundtrack, in addition to some new tracks and sound mixing, a few new outcomes, and the insertion of pages from The Philosophy of Time Travel (POTT). The new scenes and the pages of the POTT explain more approximately the meaning at the back of the occasions within the movie, but do not absolutely provide an explanation for the events of the film. For a entire certain listing of the changes visit the Alternate Versions for this film.The authentic launch suits the surreal subject and the tune soundtrack is arguably better (e.g. featuring Echo & the Bunnymen at the start).

Why is Donnie smiling at the beginning of the movie, whilst he wakes up?

It's not absolutely explained other than to give Donnie a peculiar entrance with foreshadowing of what is to return.

Is "The Philosophy of Time Travel" a real e-book? Are there extra pages to it?

No. Director Richard Kelly wrote it all through the editing levels of the film and was proceeding to comprise it into the authentic model but time and finances constraints averted this. Although the e-book Dr. Monnitoff offers to Donnie appears to have many pages, only the ones which can be released on the website and on the DVD had been created by using Kelly. The Director's Cut restores the original vision of the pages that Kelly wanted.Additionally, you may look up the e-book and locate numerous Donnie Darko sites that have complied all the published pages from the films.

Why did the director Kelly positioned the phrase "deus ex machina" in the movie? Why does Donnie utter this phrase?

Director Richard Kelly positioned the phrase in the movie to reveal that there has been a few form of advanced machine someplace within the destiny at work, manipulating people and sending indicators to Donnie in Middlesex. When Donnie mentions this within the film he comes to recognize that there surely is a deus ex machina. Donnie mutters, "deus ex machina, our saviour" as a vehicle driven by Frank stops close by, which startles his attackers and reasons them to flee. The car acts as the deus ex machina; that is, the unexpected or unbelievable device this is added to resolve a trouble, therefore it's far Donnie's "saviour."

What part does Cherita Chen play in the film? Why does Donnie placed on Cherita's ear muffs?

Donnie empathizes along with her person and feels a connection to Chen because he too is an outcast. The director mentions that Cherita Chen is getting verbally abused and that that is why she begins wearing the earmuffs. He additionally mentions that she acts as a catalyst for Donnie to realize who he genuinely is, recognize what his personal views are and what he have to do. Her interactions with Donnie supply us further insight into his individual. Chen also likes Donnie Darko and has been keeping tune of him at instances hence being used as the eyes and ears of the beings of the future on Donnie's sports.

Why does Gretchen wave to Donnie's mom, Rose?

Similar to the previous connection, it is believed that she feels a few experience of déjà vu when she sees Rose. We don't know if Rose or Gretchen ever met within the Tangent Universe, however however, she may experience a few connection together with her and Donnie's own family, in a similar déjà vu feel. After the scene of Donnie and his circle of relatives discussing the Philosophy of Time Travel, you see Donnie and a woman in overalls jumping on a trampoline. You see Gretchen wearing some thing extraordinarily much like this after the second one crash of the jet engine where she waves to Donnie's mom. This can be proof of Gretchen and Donnie's mother/own family having met before.

What does Donnie mumble whilst he has the knife held to his throat?

"Deus ex machina, our saviour."

As Jim Cunningham isn't always caught inside the Primary Universe, doesn't that imply Donnie failed in revealing him as a criminal?

The Philosophy of Time Travel's chapter "Dreams" states, When the Manipulated wake up from their Journey into the Tangent Universe, they may be regularly haunted by way of the enjoy of their dreams.... Those who do don't forget the adventure are regularly triumph over with profound remorse for the regretful movements buried within their dreams... This is visible inside the movie during the "Mad World" series while Jim Cunningham wakes up sobbing with what appears to be guilt. To in addition show this, hidden on DonnieDarkoFilm.com (archived here) become a newspaper article about Jim Cunningham's suicide, which takes place in the Primary Universe on October 12th, 1988, just days after Donnie's demise. Cunningham's suicide took place at the fourteenth hollow of the Sarasota Heights Country Club golfing course, that's wherein he first met Donnie.Also, Donnie did not fail in revealing him as a crook due to the fact that turned into never his main intention. Frank informed Donnie to burn down Cunningham's house, which sooner or later brought about the discovery of his kiddie porn dungeon. This leads Mrs. Farmer to go to Cunningham's defence in preference to at the experience with Sparkle Motion, inflicting Rose Darko to head on the ride alternatively, which allows Donnie and Elizabeth to throw a party. Frank leaves this party to get extra beer and has to pressure by means of Grandma Death's house on the way lower back, which is where Frank runs over Gretchen and Donnie kills Frank. Without this birthday celebration, Gretchen wouldn't have been killed. So, consistent with the Philosophy of Time Travel, because the Ensurance Trap (Gretchen's dying, because of Frank) turned into successful, the Living Receiver (Donnie) is left and not using a desire but to use his Fourth Dimensional Power to send the Artifact back in time into the Primary Universe before the Black Hole collapses upon itself. So burning down Cunningham's house turned into an awful lot extra vital than Donnie revealing him as a crook (even though Cunningham's suicide indicates that he still suffers for his actions).

How did Donnie get to Carpathian Ridge, at the start of the film?

Richard Kelly states within the observation that he cycled there, and the concept of the bizarre commencing changed into to present Donnie's man or woman a grand however ordinary introduction, as a foreshadowing of what is to come.

Why does Kenneth Monnitoff say he cannot continue the conversation with Donnie about time travel?

Teachers can not discuss religion or non secular theories within college. The faculty within the movie required their college students to put on uniforms, which may be a signal that it become a Catholic college. If so, Monnitoff might be worried that discussing clinical theories which might dispute the life of God or war with Catholic doctrine won't be allowed, thereby placing his activity at hazard.

When Donnie's parents are speakme about Frankie Feedler are they relating to Frank's father? Based on Frank pronouncing that his father and grandfather had been called Frank additionally.

It's viable, even though it seems a chunk unlikely, since it might require Frank to be the offspring of a very young father. Of route, no person other than Richard Kelly is aware of for certain, and this detail has never been protected. It appears likely as, inside the notes of "The Philosophy of Time Travel", Frank's surname is discovered to be Anderson.

Why did Dr. Thurman prescribe placebos to Donnie?

In the deleted scenes of the theatrical reduce DVD, and reincorporated in the Director's Cut, is a scene wherein Dr. Thurman well-knownshows to Donnie that he is been prescribed placebos. Dr. Thurman is trying to assist Donnie Darko with out putting him on medicinal drug that can possibly have bad facet effects. Further Dr. Thurman—who is being manipulated by way of the beings of the destiny—seems to understand that there is some thing special approximately Donnie and is considered one of several humans supporting him satisfy his proper destiny. However, Dr Thurman isn't mentioned in the listing of Manipulated Living behind "The Philosophy of Time Travel". Also, water is the detail thru which Frank Bunny reaches Donnie; while Donnie takes his placebos, he enables a connection together with his messenger.

Why did Dr. Thurman name Donnie's dad and mom on the night of the party?

In Donnie's preceding session together with her, he admitted to vandalizing his faculty and burning down Jim Cunningham's residence. Dr. Thurman had to tell his mother and father that Donnie had devoted a crime, as by means of law. It's believed that the consultation became the day earlier than the birthday party, although no explicit time-frame is given. According to the DVD remark by using Richard Kelly, if a minor confesses to a trainer or counselor that he has committed against the law in which no person became hurt, the person need to contact the child's figure.

Why are the bullies (Seth Devlin and Ricky) within Roberta "Grandma Death" Sparrow's residence?

Earlier in the film Eddie Darko refers to a gem collection that Roberta Sparrow used to be recognized for, mentioning that children used to strive to break into her house to scouse borrow them, so we assume that that is a motive for Seth and Ricky being there. The "real" purpose, of route, is they had to be there as part of the guarantee lure for Donnie, so they're also appearing as the Manipulated Living; Ricky is a pawn of fate, as is Seth.

Why does Kitty Farmer relate Graham Greene to "Bonanza"?

To highlight Kitty's stupidity, she is getting harassed with Lorne Greene, an actor who played a individual within Bonanza. Graham Greene is the famous creator who wrote "The Destructors", the short scenario that Donnie's elegance is reading, and which finally causes problems for the teacher Karen Pomeroy. Not to be careworn with Canadian actor Graham Greene.

Why does Donnie have a reduce on his neck?

In the Director's Cut, there's a scene wherein Gretchen refers to a cut on Donnie's neck. The reduce comes from the scene with Seth's attack within the lavatory, even though this seems to arise some time prior, so there can be an enhancing problem right here.

Who is Sarah Walters, noted at the internet site as having died the equal day as Roberta Sparrow?

It mentions she worked in the Library of Springfield until 1929. This could not mean she had touch with "The Philosophy of Time Travel" because it became no longer shown until 1944 according to Roberta Sparrow's obituary. No particular relevance is noted.

Who are the "they" as stated within the letter on the internet site?

In the letter to Elizabeth Hartford of the Rare Books Dept. of the Library of Congress, "Karen P. Monnitoff" (presumably Karen Pommeroy having married Kenneth Monnitoff) states that the Philosophy of Time Travel is being despatched to Ms Hartford on unique instructions from her husband in the event of his untimely loss of life. Karen states that Ms Hartford might realize wherein to place it—"a place in which they could by no means find it." The website alludes to Dr Monnitoff's paintings with the CIA formerly to being a teacher.

Who is the jogger inside the red tracksuit?

He is among the organization of fellows who're diagnosed as FAA dealers.

How old are Donnie and the alternative characters speculated to be?

Donnie Darko: 16 Elizabeth Darko: 19 Samantha Darko: 10 Rose Darko: 42 Eddie Darko: 44...Donnie's start date being 28 May 1972, as said on the internet site.

Where is this film purported to be set?

The movie is ready within Middlesex county, Virginia. The film became filmed within Long Beach, California.

Why is that this film set within 1988?

Richard Kelly has given numerous motives for this. 1. It was a favorite time, whilst he become a teen. 2. Very few films (at the time) were set within the '80s. 3. He failed to sense cozy putting a teenage movie now, without a understanding of contemporary teenage life. (It may also be a connection with Back to the Future as each films take location inside the '80s and the movie is also referenced at some point in the course of the film-And permit's no longer overlook the DeLorean needed to attain a speed of 88 miles consistent with hour in order to time-journey.)

In one shot the digital camera lingers on a set shot with a *an awful lot* more youthful Roberta Sparrow aired. Why?

It changed into just an setting up shot confirming Prof. Monnitoff's announcement approximately her teaching in Middlesex and giving her character and her e book greater "weight."

What is the importance of the cellar door?

As explained through Richard Kelly in the Director's Commentary, it's miles a essential a part of the story. By coming into via the door, Donnie and Gretchen are attacked, which allows Frank to kill Gretchen. This is likewise published while slicing to the scene at Roberta Sparrow's residence when the cellar door is posted for several moments.Karen Pomeroy, the English teacher, has "cellar door" written on the chalkboard whilst Donnie involves see her. This happens quickly earlier than the costume birthday celebration and scene at Roberta Sparrow's residence and Karen is within the manner of packing up her matters after being fired. When Donnie asks why "cellar door" is written at the board, she explains that a well-known linguist once stated that out of all the combos of letters and phrases, "cellar door" changed into the maximum stunning. This is based on phonaesthetics.Further, Karen is one of the Manipulated Living, which means she is part of the forces directing Donnie to his last destiny.

What is the music performed in the course of the cinema collection and at the start of the credits?

"For Whom the Bell Tolls", written by way of Steve Baker and Carmen Daye, courtesy of Associated Production Music LLC. This tune is to be had as a royalty free music from Associated Production Music on one in all their collections titled "Voicing the Classic 2". More importantly it could additionally be sold now on the two-CD Donnie Darko soundtrack, currently simplest available in the United Kingdom. Note that this song is often confused with "Ave Maria", however this is absolutely no longer "Ave Maria."

What tracks have been not at the authentic soundtrack?

"The Killing Moon", written by using Will Sergeant, Ian McCulloch, Les Pattinson and Pete De Freitas Performed by way of Echo & The Bunnymen Courtesy of Sire Records/Warner Music U.okay. Ltd. By association with Warner Special Products (Plays at some stage in the collection whilst Donnie cycles domestic at the beginning of the original film. Note that is modified within the Director's Cut to "Never Tear Us Apart", via INXS. In the Director's Cut, "The Killing Moon" replaces "Under the Milkyway" for the duration of the party sequence)"Lucid Memory", written and Performed through Sam Bauer and Ged Bauer (Used for the duration of the "Cunning Visions" video)"Headvert over Heels", written with the aid of Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal Performed by way of Tears For Fears Courtesy of Mercury Records Limited Under license from Universal Music Enterprises"Lucid Assembly", written and Performed by using Ged Bauer and Mike Bauer (Used at some point of the "Cunning Visions" video)"Ave Maria", written with the aid of Giulio Caccino and Paul Pritchard, Courtesy of Associated Production Music LLC (Played in the history while Rose, Donnie's Mum, is speakme to her pal)"For Whom the Bell Tolls", written by Steve Baker and Carmen Daye, Courtesy of Associated Production Music LLC (Plays all through the collection in which Donnie is inside the cinema with Frank and Gretchen, and also plays over the stop titles)"Show Me", written through Quito Colayco and Tobig apple Hertz, Courtesy of Associated Production Music LLC (Plays in the course of Cherita's "Autumn Angel" series)"Notorious", written with the aid of Simon LeBon, Nick Rhodes and John Taylor, Courtesy of Capitol Records, Under license from EMI-Capitol Music Special Markets (Sparkle Motion's dance song. Originally it became intended that West End Girls would be used, however the licensing cost was too high-priced)"Proud To Be Loud", written by way of Marc Ferrari, Performed by The Dead Green Mummies, Courtesy of Marc Ferrari / Master Source (Plays at Elizabeth's birthday party. Some sources tell me that is a model by Pantera. It is one in every of two songs that were left off of the two-disc soundtrack. The 2nd is "Voices Carry" via 'Til Tuesday)"Love Will Tear Us Apart", written and Performed by Joy Division, Courtesy of Warner Music U.ok. Ltd., By arrangement with Warner Special Products, (Plays at Elizabeth's birthday party, previous to Donnie going upstairs with Gretchen)"Under the Milky Way", written with the aid of Steven Kilbey and Karin Jansson, Performed by The Church, Courtesy of Arista Records, Inc. Courtesy of Festival Mushroom Records Pty Ltd. (Plays at Elizabeth's birthday celebration, while Donnie and Gretchen come downstairs, but only in the original model. In the Director's Cut this plays on the car radio while Donnie and his Dad are talking)Note that tracks (as cited above) used inside the rough cut of the movie shown at the Sundance Film Festival had been West End Girls, through the Pet Shop Boys (changed by means of Notorious inside the authentic and Director's Cut) and Never Tear Us Apart, by means of INXS (replaced through The Killing Moon in the unique reduce, and reinstated inside the Director's Cut)."Stay" through Oingo Bongo. (Only inside the Director's Cut, and performs at the radio at the same time as Donnie is speakme to his sister in the kitchen)"Voices Carry", with the aid of 'Til Tuesday. (Note this is playing on Donnie's radio at some stage in the scene where he calls his mother a "whinge" at the Director's Cut. It's the alternative of the 2 tracks from the film no longer on the greater entire 2CD soundtrack, the primary is "Proud to be Loud" by using Pantera)

Why is there no soundtrack with the original 1980s tracks?

It became no longer viable primarily based at the initial confined release of the movie and the highly-priced requirements for licensing to launch a soundtrack with those songs. However, a -CD soundtrack has appeared on the market in the United Kingdom (with a release date of 4 October 2004) which contains both the unique soundtrack CD and a large number of tracks (but no longer all) from each the unique and Director's Cut. Follow the previous link for a complete music listing. Note of direction that there may be still the authentic soundtrack on the market with the authentic tracks by way of Michael Andrews, and the rearrangement of "Mad World" sung with the aid of Gary Jules.

What other movies are like Donnie Darko?

In a sense, no film is very just like Donnie Darko, and it is that feel of originality which made the film very popular. However, here are a few movies that fanatics have advised: Source Code (2011), Los cronocrímenes (2007), Frequency (2000), Heathers (1988), Southland Tales (2006), The Nines (2007), The Sixth Sense (1999), Twelve Monkeys (1995), A Beautiful Mind (2001), A Scanner Darkly (2006), American Beauty (1999), Blue Velvet (1986),Brazil (1985), The Butterfly Effect (2004), What the #$*! Do We (okay)now!? (2004), I Heartwork Huckabees (2004), City of Angels (1998) (remake of Der Himmel über Berlin (1987)), Contact (1997), Dark City (1998), Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), Fargo (1996), Fight Club (1999), Tideland (2005), Gattaca (1997), Heavenly Creatures (1994), Identity (2003), Jacob's Ladder (1990), Final Destination (2000), okay-PAX (2001), Lost Highway (1997), Memento (2000), Mirrormask (2005), Mulholland Dr. (2001), Naked Lunch (1991), One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975), Abre los ojos (1997) (remade as Vanilla Sky (2001)), Pi (1998), Pretty Persuasion (2005), Primer (2004), Requiem for a Dream (2000), Lola rennt (1998), Silent Running (1972), Slaughterhouse-Five (1972), Solaris (2002), Stay (2005), Stir of Echoes (1999), Sybil (1976), The Final Cut (2004), The Fisher King (1991), The Game (1997), The Good Girl (2002), The Ninth Gate (1999), The Prisoner (1967), La technological know-how des rêves (2006) (The Science of Sleep), Twin Peaks (1990), Unbreakable (2000), Waking Life (2001), Der Himmel über Berlin (1987) (remade as City of Angels), The Jacket (2005), La cité des enfants perdus (1995),He Was a Quiet Man (2007), Soul Survivors (2001), The Machinist (2004) and The Chumscrubber (2005).

Why does Donnie do what he does on this movie?

Donnie has been selected as the Living Receiver inside the Tangent Universe wherein most of the film takes vicinity. (It starts in the dead of night on 10/02/1988 just earlier than Frank the Bunny lures Donnie from his room and ends, well, at the cease.)The Tangent Universe is volatile on it is personal and then further glitched whilst The Artifact (engine) become duplicated in both universes. As Donnie turned into at the vortex of the advent of the Tangent Universe, it is in all likelihood why he turned into chosen. In this new universe, there are the Manipulated Deadvert (humans close to the Receiver that died within the Tangent) and Manipulated Living (human beings near the Receiver.) Both corporations are driven by an unknown force to guide the Receiver (Donnie) to ship the Artifact (engine) again to the Primary Universe so that when the Tangent Universe collapses, it may occur competently and not take the Primary Universe down with it.The Manipulated Deadvert are extraordinarily effective and have the capability to journey in time. That's why Frank lures Donnie from bed and makes him flood the school (in The Philosophy of Time Travel - PoTT - water is an energy used to create a portal and the flooding led to high school being cancelled as a result brought about him taking walks Gretchen domestic) and burn down Jim Cunningham's residence (which led to a chain of occasions the cumulated with Donnie and his sister throwing that gown celebration setting up the very last part of the movie) As the movie goes on and Donnie reads PoTT, he turns into extra privy to why he's being driven to do these things.The Manipulated Deadvert realize that the Tangent Universe will disintegrate and all lifestyles in all universes might be destroyed and for this reason use their powers to travel again within time and use Donnie. The Manipulated Living also are leading Donnie to his fate but do now not recognise it.Everything that happens inside the Tangent Universe happens for the purpose of Donnie sending the Artifact back to the Primary Universe in an effort to store the Primary Universe.

Why is Donnie guffawing at the end and why would not he get off the bed?

Richard Kelly states this inside the DVD remark (with Jake Gyllenhal): Donnie laughs for the same motive the other characters had been reflective on the give up. As defined within the POTT, they have a few reminiscence, if now not of details than of a sense via way of goals. It might be that he woke from those desires and felt relieved. Or that he observed peace. Or that he failed to recognise he became approximately to die.He needed to die, so his female friend would not die in the future. He did it to store her lifestyles.

Who is the human Frank?

Human and Bunny Frank are the identical. The bunny gown is usually inhabited by means of Frank, even though we do in short see Frank out of doors of the dress. He is Elizabeth's boyfriend in both the Primary and Tangent Universes.Now right here's wherein it gets complex - there are essentially three versions of Frank.The first is Frank in the Primary Universe. We handiest see him within the very finishing montage of the movie (extra on that later.)Then there's the Tangent Universe, wherein maximum of the movie takes vicinity. We first see him entice Donnie out of bed so he is no longer overwhelmed through the jet engine (the Artifact.) This is the Manipulated Deadvert Frank. He changed into made a Manipulated Deadvert after his Tangent Universe counterpart is killed shortly before the Tangent Universe is to disintegrate. Manipulated Deadvert are very powerful and feature the capacity to journey thru time.So, Manipulated Deadvert Frank (we will call him MD Frank) having been killed, travels lower back a few weeks within time to whilst the the Tangent Universe became created, to Donnie's bedroom, and makes positive Tangent Universe Donnie is not killed via the Artifact. This is because Donnie is the Living Receiver - chosen by using an unknown force and tasked to return the Artifact to the Primary Universe so that all life doesn't disintegrate.MD Frank is aided by means of different Manipulated Deadvert and with the aid of Manipulated Living. Manipulated Living make choices and perform moves to guide Donnie as well, however they're not aware of it.In the theatre scene, MD Frank takes of the bunny head and exhibits his eye is shot out.Towards the give up of the film, when Donnie, Gretchen, and his buddies go to Roberta Sparrow's house and are attacked through the two bullies, a automobile comes racing down the street and runs over Gretchen, killing her. The motive force of the car is Tangent Universe Frank before he is killed. Donnie shoots him in the eye, killing him. MD Frank is watching from the trees. All this results in Donnie in the end succeeding within his venture to go back the Artifact and permit the Tangent Universe to disintegrate effectively and the Primary Universe to another time be, primary.Back within the Primary Universe, the characters seem to have a few deja vu memories from dreams on what passed off in the Tangent Universe. In the remaining montage, we see Primary Universe Frank drawing the bunny masks time and again and looking stricken as he lifts a hand and touches his eye.

Who or what are the beings from the destiny?

There are Manipulated Dead within the Tangent Universe. The Manipulated Deadvert are human beings near the Living Receiver (Donnie) that died while within the Tangent Universe. These human beings are Frank and Gretchen. As Manipulated Dead, they've amazing energy, together with time journey, and use this energy to guide Donnie to go back the Artifact (jet engine) to the Primary Universe so that the Tangent Universe can collapse appropriately without taking the Primary Universe with it.

Why when the characters are in bed on the cease of the film, inside the "Mad World" montage, do they seem to keep in mind what occurred inside the Tangent Universe?

Not exactly, but form of. The Philosophy of Time Travel's very last bankruptcy is set goals. Survivors of the Tangent Universe are regularly haunted through desires about what befell and enjoy Deja Vu. However, they do not bear in mind everything and notice it as nightmares and extraordinary phenomenon.

Why does Dr. Thurman react the manner she does to Donnie's remark approximately the sky beginning up?

She's worried that Donnie might be at the verge of a psychotic breakdown. She may additionally, as a Manipulated Living, subconsciously comprehend that the disintegrate of the Tangent Universe is coming.

What came about to Gretchen's mother on the end of the movie?

It's implied that her mom become abducted by using her ex-husband, Gretchen's father. Earlier inside the film, Gretchen mentions to Donnie that her dad stabbed her mother inside the chest four times and that they needed to pass and pick out new names.It's by no means revealed what without a doubt occurred to her mother that night because it's just several hours from the disintegrate of the Tangent Universe. There aren't any clues if the same factor occurred within the Primary Universe, or, if Gretchen, being one of the Manipulated Dead, become telling the truth.

Patrick Swayze anticipated Net Worth, Salary, Income. How rich is Patrick Swayze after performed as Jim Cunningham.

Patrick Swayze's salary of participating in Donnie Darko is $39.4K .

It is an approximate forecast of the way wealthy is Patrick Swayze.

Donnie Darko doesn't get along too well with his family, his teachers, and his classmates; but he does manage to find a sympathetic friend in Gretchen, who agrees to date him. He has a compassionate psychiatrist, who discovers hypnosis is the means to unlock hidden secrets. His other companion may not be a true ally. Donnie has a friend named Frank, a large bunny which only Donnie can see. When an engine falls off a plane and destroys his bedroom, Donnie is not there. Both the event, and Donnie's escape, seem to have been caused by supernatural events.