Chapter 28: Mad World

Should we say that Evan Bell's experience, accumulated over two lives, has shaped him, or is it his natural talent for acting, as evidenced by his stellar performances on Broadway?

Either way, Evan's performance on the set of Donnie Darko has consistently improved, even delivering moments that left Drew Barrymore, Richard Kelly, and the rest of the crew genuinely impressed.

Evan's life on set remains busy and fulfilling. As the lead actor, the movie, Donnie Darko, centers around him. Whenever he has a break, Evan quietly works on a character study for Donnie, not just for his performance in this film, but also as an exercise in honing his craft.

During rare moments of free time, Evan enjoys chatting and playing games with the other actors, filling his days with purpose. This experience is a far cry from his time on Broadway, offering him a new and interesting perspective on the craft of acting.

The timeline in Donnie Darko revolves around a 28-day countdown to the end of the world, though the film itself only portrays a few of those days.

Filming took place in a small town, which allowed the crew to work quickly. Once Evan found his rhythm, the crew caught up on the initial delays, and it looked like they might finish on schedule.

"Bell, what are you looking at?" Richard Kelly's voice cut through the quiet night. It was past three in the morning, and the entire crew had gone to bed, but Richard couldn't sleep.

Stepping outside for fresh air, he was surprised to see Evan sitting on the lawn.

Evan turned his head slightly, recognizing Richard by the light spilling from the house. "The stars," he replied. "I was trying to identify the constellations, but I guess astronomy isn't my strong suit—I can't make out anything."

Richard chuckled. "I can't claim to understand something as profound as astronomy either." He sat down beside Evan, feeling the cool dampness of the grass and shivering slightly in the October chill. "Why can't you sleep? We've only got a week of filming left. You should be feeling relieved now."

"I've been thinking about Donnie's final choice—sacrificing himself to save the world. What would that feel like?" Evan's voice was subdued, almost eerie.

He was deeply immersed in the character of Donnie Darko, a sign that he hadn't yet learned to separate himself from the roles he played.

"Imagine knowing the world is going to end, but that your sacrifice could save it. What would you do? And then, what if no one ever knew you were the hero? How would that feel?"

Richard, as the film's writer, had pondered these questions himself. "Have you found your answer?" Richard's tone suggested that Donnie's actions were already his answer, but he was curious about Evan's interpretation.

Evan tilted his head thoughtfully, then grinned. "Maybe I'd just enjoy the last moments before the world ends. I'm not sure I'd be the one to make the sacrifice, especially if no one knew. Being a hero comes at a high cost, and I don't think I'm cut out for it. Every time I think of Superman in those tight shorts, wearing them on the outside, I realize that heroism isn't for me." Evan's lighthearted comment brought some levity to the otherwise heavy conversation.

Richard couldn't help but laugh. "Yeah, being ourselves is hard enough. Why add the burden of saving the world?"

"But the point isn't just that Donnie saved the world," Evan said, turning to Richard. "It's that Donnie saved the world—not someone else. From the start, Donnie was at odds with everything around him, yet he silently sacrificed himself for the world. It's ironic—a person who didn't fit in ended up saving everyone."

Evan had studied the script and Donnie's character obsessively, to the point where he couldn't distinguish between his thoughts and Donnie's. On the bright side, it showed he was deeply in character; on the downside, it brought up dark memories from Evan's past.

"Our world doesn't change because of anyone," Richard murmured, his voice low. "Most people just change themselves to fit into the world. That's what inspired me to write this script. Donnie represents a small part of me, someone who's never been part of the majority but made a choice most people wouldn't dare make."

"Sacrificing yourself to save the world, especially when no one knows, sounds noble," Evan mused. "But realistically, how many people could actually go through with it? I know I don't have that kind of courage."

"Heh, maybe it's the best ending for Donnie," Evan said, his tone a little lighter. "He was always at odds with this crazy world. At least now, he's free from it."

"Mad World," Richard echoed, his voice trailing off. The tone of Donnie Darko was dark and heavy, the title "Mad World" perfectly encapsulates its mood.

Evan laughed and thought. 'This world is crazy; otherwise, I wouldn't be here living a second life.' the irony was not lost on him.

"Bell, I've been thinking about the movie's theme song," Richard said, shifting the topic slightly but still staying within the realm of the film. "You mentioned you went to the Eagle Rock Music Festival. Any recommendations?"

"Let's go with 'Mad World,'" Evan suggested. Even if Richard hadn't brought it up, Evan had planned to recommend it. The 1982 hit by Tears for Fears was perfect for the film—the lyrics resonated with the story.

Richard's face lit up, but before he could celebrate, Evan tempered his enthusiasm. "But the original version of the song has a college rock vibe, with a cheerful rhythm. It's a counterintuitive way of expressing anger at the world."

Richard's excitement waned. "What I need is a sad, mournful melody. Donnie's ending is a sacrifice; it's a hymn to him and an indictment of the world."

Evan thought for a moment. "You're right. The original 'Mad World' is more suited for a live rock performance. It captures the movie's tone but doesn't quite fit as a theme song. The rebellious, bohemian spirit that's in Donnie's bones doesn't align with the melancholy needed for his story."

"How about I try adapting it for you?" Evan offered casually. Over the years, he had grown accustomed to writing and composing music. Though his only public work so far was "The Last" and "Boundless Sky," his constant practice had honed his skills, and he was now finding inspiration in music composition.

Richard's eyes widened in surprise. "I knew you shone on Broadway, but I didn't know you composed music too."

"You're underestimating me," Evan teased. "I wasn't just attending the Eagle Rock Music Festival; I was performing there with a band. Let me give it a shot. If it works, great. If not, you can always find someone else."

Richard was intrigued. "I'll look forward to it."

Evan didn't keep Richard waiting long—after all, they only had a week left of filming. Just two days after that conversation, Evan handed Richard his adapted version of "Mad World."

Evan had taken the time to study the original creative materials from Tears for Fears. The lyrics of "Mad World" were fragmented, painting a picture of a chaotic world through disjointed images, with the singer as a detached observer.

The lyrics alone were perfect for Donnie Darko, so all Evan needed to do was rearrange the melody, which was a challenge in itself.

Evan stripped the song of its original musical background, restoring the melody, and then re-arranged it with piano and harpsichord.

He also slowed the tempo by half, infusing the song with a deep melancholy and dark emotion. Personally, Evan was pleased with the result. Now, it was up to Richard Kelly to decide if it matched his vision.