This might be worth a spot on your calendar. The Coolidge Corner theater in Brookline puts on a series called Science on Screen where they screen movies that have some kind of scientific element in it and bring in a local scientist to talk about the science portrayed in the film. I’ve never been, but I’m planning on attending the October 9 showing of Donnie Darko, the 2001 sci-fi thriller about a teenager plagued by visions of a giant rabbit. It stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Drew Barrymore, and Patrick Swayze.

Bruce M. Cohen from McLean Hospital will be on hand to give an introduction. He does research on schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders. I’m curious about whether having a scientist to talk about a movie will enhance or take away from my experience with watching the movie so I’ll write more about that after the 9th. In any case, how can I turn down a chance to watch Patrick Swayze on the big screen?!