Biography
James Richard Kelly (born 1975) is an American writer-director, best known for his debut feature, the science-fiction cult classic "Donnie Darko"(2001). Kelly was born in Newport News, Virginia, the son of Lane and Ennis Kelly. He won a scholarship to the University of Southern California to study at the USC School of Cinema-Television. He made two short films at USC, "The Goodbye Place" and "Visceral Matter", before graduating in 1997. "Donnie Darko" was his first feature and was nominated fo...
Known For
Complete Filmography
It's a Madcap World: The Making of an Unfinished Film
2021
as Himself
Split into three parts and featuring interviews with the crew of SOUTHLAND TALES, including Richard Kelly, the story of how this film was made, screwe...
Deus ex Machina: The Philosophy of 'Donnie Darko'
2016
as Self
The feature-length documentary about the making of the cult film favourite, "Donnie Darko".
Out of Print
2014
as Self
A documentary exploring the importance of revival cinema and 35mm exhibition - seen through the lens of the patrons of the New Beverly Cinema - a uniq...
Raging Bull: Reflections on a Classic
2011
as Self
Prominent filmmakers discuss Martin Scorsese's "Raging Bull."
Operation: Endgame
2010
Producer
A battle ensues among two government spy teams in an underground facility after their boss is assassinated.
The Box
2009
Director, Screenplay, Producer
Norma and Arthur Lewis, a suburban couple with a young child, receive a simple wooden box as a gift, which bears fatal and irrevocable consequences. A...
I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell
2009
Producer
A tireless and charismatic novelty seeker, Tucker tricks his buddy Dan into lying to his fiancée Kristy, so they can go to an legendary strip club thr...
World's Greatest Dad
2009
Producer
In the wake of a freak accident, Lance suffers the worst tragedy and the greatest opportunity of his life. He is suddenly faced with the possibility o...
S. Darko
2009
Characters
Seven years after the events of the first film, Samantha Darko finds herself stranded in a small desert town after her car breaks down where she is pl...
USIDent TV: Surveilling the Southland
2008
as Self
Making of the movie Southland Tales
Southland Tales
2007
Director, Writer
Set in the futuristic landscape of Los Angeles on July 4, 2008, as it stands on the brink of social, economic and environmental disaster. Boxer Santar...
Domino
2005
Screenplay, Story
The story of the life of Domino Harvey, who abandoned her career as a Ford model to become a bounty hunter.
#1 Fan: A Darkomentary
2005
as Self
The questionably unstable Darryl Donaldson goes on a quest to prove why he's Donnie Darko's #1 fan. While creating the production diaries for the film...
Donnie Darko
2001
Director, Writer
After narrowly escaping a bizarre accident, a troubled teenager is plagued by visions of a large bunny rabbit that manipulates him to commit a series ...
Visceral Matter
1997
Director, Writer
Short film that explores the bizarre results of experiments in teleportation.
The Goodbye Place
1996
Director, Writer
An abused child is offered escape by some mysterious strangers who may or may not know where missing children truly disappear to.
Soulmates
N/A
Director, Writer, Producer
Corpus Christi
N/A
Director, Writer
An Iraq war veteran teams up with a wealthy business owner in Texas.
Untitled Rod Serling Biopic
N/A
Writer, Director
Film on the life of Twilight Zone creator Rod Serling.
Untitled Richard Kelly Film
N/A
Director, Writer
Plot TBA. Set to begin production in Fall of 2025