Donnie Darko (2001)

This must be my 5th or 6th time seeing this film, but watching it this time gave me so many ideas, I just had to document.
First of all this is an amazing movie. For the longest time it felt cliche to say this because so many people in my demographic will also admit infatuation with it. Watching it 8 years later definitely gave me perspective. Admittingly, Donnie Darko has a crudeness to it. It doesn't try to come across as completely natural; some of the editing in scenes seem a bit off, and the acting can come across as theatrical.
I like how the film is set in the 80s, but it doesn't try to be nostalgic about the era. Sure there are 80s songs, and some 80s wardrobe, and they discuss the '88 presidential election, but they don't make it feel like a gimmick. Other recent films such as Napoleon Dynamite and Adventureland use the 80s as a foible, but Donnie Darko feels displaced. Not to get analytical, but maybe it has to do with the theme of time travel?
Watching it now I feel like Donnie Darko really was messed up psychologically. When I initially watched it in '01 I though oh, this guy is full of teenage angst, and he's searching for meaning, but really that kid had some serious issues, and like his therapist said, he's probably schizophrenic.
Random goodies: Seth Rogen playing a bit part as a bully, and random fat dude in a sweatsuit in a few scenes with no significant plot contribution. Also, Drew Barrymore trying to be a profound lit teacher is hilarious (woman, you are ridiculous when you are trying to be intelligent, ha).
Another comparison I want to make is to Synecdoche, New York. Both films prevalently use the theme of loneliness. The protagonists are so occupied with death and lonliness, that it consumes them. It's the heaviest theme to carry (as probably best represented in swedish art films), and would probably depress viewers if watched repeatedly.
I really liked the soundtrack of Donnie Darko (as it probably was what drew a lot of people to this film). And to be completely biased I have to say check this film out, because it is so awesome even the ridiculous parts are great.