I don't understand the concept of it all...like how it was the future...then he was alive...but then everything went back...and the aeroplane engine killed him...
Donnie gives his life to save his girl ( simple version:- self sacrifice ).....One helllva ending and a great soundtrack too.. .You got watch many times.to half understand it ...perhaps some things can naver be fully explained,,,,but were merely meant to be enjoyed...
So, the whole aeroplane engine thing actually happened, and Frank helped him survive, but then he met his girl...And because of Frank she died...so he travels back in time so that he dies, so he never meets her and never puts her into those circumstances?
My problem is this: Why did the rabbit save him in the first place as by doing so he got himself shot and killed- and then had to wait for (and help) Donnie to find the worm hole and go back in time to alter what had happened. If the wee bunny hadn't interfered Donnie would have died from the plane engine...
Theres so much to this film you've barely scratched the surface... if you have the dvd WATCH THE EXTRAS it gives so much insight... the plane engine is what starts it all, by tearing through the fabric of time it creates an alternate universe.. a universe where if not corrected ( by sending the engine back to the original world ) will destroy everything. Donnies mission is to send the engine back using his powers.. he is whats called the manipulated living in the film and frank (the bunny) is his guide to help him complete his mission. Remember when gretchin ross says.. " Donnie Darko.. what kinda name is that? sounds like a superhero or something.. .. basically he has the power to manipulate metal ( slammin the axe into the bronze statue ) and water ( flooding the school ) which are key to his mission.
I could go on forever and basically there is no explanation.. the director deliberately left it up to our own interpretation which adds to its brilliance.. I suggest checkin out internet forums for many more explanations and information. Time Travel / Superheros / Alternate Realities.. whata film