Where was Donnie Darko filmed?
2001
City Locations
Burbank (USA), Long Beach (USA), Los Angeles (USA), Calabasas (USA), Santa Monica (USA), Santa Clarita (USA)
Location Types
House, Mansion, School
Location Styles
Modern Building, Modern Car, School, Luxury
About Donnie Darko
"Donnie Darko" is a mind-bending psychological thriller that combines elements of science fiction, horror, and teen drama. In 2001, Richard Kelly's film gained cult status due to its complex narrative and captivating characters.
The story revolves around Donnie Darko, a troubled teenager played by Jake Gyllenhaal, who starts having ominous visions of a giant rabbit named Frank. This eerie creature predicts the end of the world and manipulates Donnie into committing a series of destructive acts. As Donnie grapples with these bizarre occurrences, he also navigates typical adolescent issues with his family, school, and love interest Gretchen, played by Jena Malone.
What makes "Donnie Darko" stand out is its layered plot that intertwines reality, dreams, and time travel theories. The movie’s timeline is dense and complex, often leaving viewers to question what's real and what's not. It's a journey through Donnie’s unsettling experiences, which culminates in an unexpected and thought-provoking climax.
The film critique website Rotten Tomatoes shows 87% positive reviews from critics based on 118 reviews, averaging a rating of 7.60/10. Critics praise "Donnie Darko" as a daring, original vision with a remarkable performance by Jake Gyllenhaal. Metacritic gives the film a generally favorable review with a score of 71/100 from 21 reviews.
In conclusion, "Donnie Darko" is a captivating cinematic experience that challenges viewers' perceptions of reality. Its unique blend of genres, complex narrative, and remarkable performances make it a must-watch for any film enthusiast.
Donnie Darko Locations
"Donnie Darko," the cult classic psychological thriller, was predominantly shot in the beautiful state of California. The filmmakers utilized this region's picturesque and diverse landscapes to bring their vision to life, creating a compelling backdrop for the intriguing narrative.
The majority of scenes were filmed in Long Beach, known for its stunning coastline and vibrant cityscape. The Darko residence, a pivotal location in the film, is situated at 4225 Country Club Drive in Long Beach. This area, with its quintessential suburban feel, perfectly encapsulates the setting director Richard Kelly aimed to portray. Other notable locations include the Angeles National Forest and Loyola High School, contributing to the film's unique and atmospheric aesthetic.
The backdrop of these regions features a blend of natural beauty and urban charm, with surrounding landmarks like the Angeles Crest Highway offering breathtaking views. These locations not only served as the canvas for "Donnie Darko" but also held their significance in the world of film and television.
For film enthusiasts and fans of "Donnie Darko," a trip to these filming locations would certainly be worthwhile. Visitors can explore the actual settings where iconic scenes were shot, immersing themselves in the world of Donnie Darko while also experiencing the allure of California's scenic beauty.
Fun Facts
The giant rabbit suit worn by James Duval, who played Frank, was so hot and uncomfortable that Duval could only wear it for short periods. Also, the film was shot in just 28 days, which coincidentally matches the 28-day timeline given by Frank for the end of the world.
Donnie finding jet engine scene in Donnie Darko
4225 Country Club Dr, Long Beach, CA 90807, USA
Donnie (Jake Gyllenhaal) finds himself awake on the lush greenery of a nearby golf course, and upon returning home, he is shocked to find his bedroom destroyed by a crashed jet engine. His elder sister, Elizabeth (Maggie Gyllenhaal), informs him that the FAA investigators are at a loss as to where the engine came from.
Country Club Drive in Long Beach, California, is a charming residential area that offers serene living amidst urban convenience. Lined with beautiful homes and lush greens, it's a testament to Long Beach's laid-back, coastal lifestyle. Its proximity to golf courses, parks, and the beach makes it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts. This drive truly embodies the perfect balance of tranquility and recreation, making it a coveted address in Long Beach.
To reach 4225 Country Club Dr, Long Beach, CA, start on I-405 S. Take exit 29A and merge onto Long Beach Blvd. Follow until Bixby Rd, and make a left. Continue straight, then turn right onto Country Club Dr. The destination will be on your right.
Frank leading Donnie to flood school scene in Donnie Darko
Loyola High School, 1901 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90006, United States
Frank starts to manipulate Donnie's behavior during his sleepwalking incidents, leading him to flood his high school by damaging a water main. Kitty Farmer (Beth Grant), the gym teacher, blames this act of destruction on the short story "The Destructors", which was assigned by the committed English teacher, Karen Pomeroy (Drew Barrymore).
Loyola High School of Los Angeles is a top-rated, private all-boys Catholic institution known for its focus on faith, scholarship, service, and leadership. It offers a challenging four-year college-preparatory curriculum to approximately 1,270 students in grades 9-12. As a Jesuit institution, it aims to develop 'Men for and With Others', fostering a sense of community engagement and personal growth.
To visit 1901 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, home to Loyola High School, take I-10 W towards Venice Blvd. Exit at Arlington Ave, turn right, and continue for a short distance. Turn left onto Venice Blvd., and the school will be on your left.
Frank instructing Donnie on how to burn down the mansion scene in Donnie Darko
Aero Theatre, 1328 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403, United States
Frank, the menacing rabbit, appears during a horror film screening. Donnie is at the Aero Theater with his girlfriend Gretchen when the film reel changes. Frank's distorted voice fills the theater as he instructs Donnie to commit arson against Jim Cunningham's (Patrick Swayze) mansion.
The Aero Theatre is a historic, single-screen movie theater in Santa Monica, California. Designed by architect R.M. Woolpert, this Streamline Moderne-styled theater first opened its doors to the public in 1940. It was originally built by the Douglas Aircraft Company, a Santa Monica-based airplane manufacturer. The theater is known for showcasing diverse film programming and hosting live in-person events.
To visit the Aero Theatre at 1328 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA, navigate to I-10 W. Continue on I-10 W to Lincoln Blvd. Take the exit toward Montana Ave from CA-1 N/Lincoln Blvd. Turn right onto Montana Ave, and the theater will be on the right side.
At the Cunningham's mansion scene in Donnie Darko
4252 Country Club Dr, Long Beach, CA 90807, USA
Firefighters stumble upon a cache of child pornography at the scene. As a result, Cunningham is taken into custody. Kitty, intending to provide a defense testimony for him, requests Rose (Mary McDonnell) to accompany their daughters' dance group on their upcoming Los Angeles trip.
Country Club Drive in Long Beach, California is a prestigious residential area known for its luxury homes. It features properties with diverse architectural styles and spacious layouts. Homes along this drive offer amenities such as multiple bedrooms and baths, large square footage, and some even have views of the nearby golf course. Prices range from $2 million to over $3.5 million.
To reach 4252 Country Club Dr in Long Beach, start by heading south on I-405 S. As you continue, take the exit for Studebaker Road. Merge onto Studebaker and make a left turn onto Carson St. Then, take a right onto Country Club Dr. The elegant property you're looking for will be situated on your left-hand side.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Donnie Darko" beautifully leverages the diverse landscapes of California, particularly Long Beach, to create a captivating visual narrative. The film artfully blends suburban charm with natural beauty, as seen in the Darko residence and the stunning Angeles National Forest. Locations like the Loyola High School further add depth to the film's setting, making it relatable and realistic. These locations serve as the backdrop for the story and become characters in their own right, enhancing the film's overall appeal. With its blend of urban and natural settings, "Donnie Darko" offers a cinematic journey that's as intriguing as its storyline. A visit to these filming locations would provide fans with a unique opportunity to step into Donnie's world and experience the iconic scenes firsthand. It's a testament to the power of location in filmmaking, demonstrating how the right setting can elevate a film to cult status.