MAPACA

Mid-Atlantic Popular &
American Culture Association

Considering that Donnie Darko is a socially conscious indie/art-film, Gretchen Ross’s character proves most concerning. She and her mother are survivors of domestic abuse. Both are in-hiding in Middlesex County under assumed names after Gretchen’s mother was “stabbed four times in the chest” by Gretchen’s stepfather. While a resilient and assertive figure, Gretchen is used throughout the film solely to further Donnie’s narrative. In fact, even Gretchen’s introduction warrants notice. Seated in English class, Donnie listens to Miss Pomeroy lecture on Graham Greene’s “The Destructors.” Gretchen appears at the classroom door and introduces herself as a new student. Controlled by forces beyond her ken, Miss Pomeroy instructs Gretchen to “sit next to the boy you think is the cutest”. Gretchen remains silent but her eyes land on Donnie. Miss Pomeroy tells the student seated next to Donnie to relinquish her desk to Gretchen. Here, Gretchen is immediately sexualized: the other male students in the room make suggestive faces at her as she walks to her desk. She “politely” ignores this rude behavior and remains fixed on Donnie. Shortly after this incident, the objectification of Gretchen intensifies. When Seth and Ricky disclose Gretchen’s history of domestic abuse to their class, she flees the building. It is here that Gretchen kisses Donnie. This is not the moment of beauty for which she was waiting. It is one of trauma soothed by Donnie’s physical presence. She sexually engages Donnie in a moment of despair. This will become a running theme for the film.