Donnie Darko vs. The Plague

Existentialism circles around the concept that existence precedes essence. Basically, some form of deity or higher being isn't in control of your life and happenings, but you are. You are in control of giving your life meaning and setting its course. Donnie Darko is an existentialist film in that Donnie isn't happy with the way his life is going (consistent re-occurences of his "friend" Frank, the death of his girlfriend etc..) so he sets out to change it. Apart from this he begins to question the happenings of daily life: why am I doing this? Who am I doing it for? According to existentialism, you are supposed to find your own meaning in life. Donnie discovers that life in suburbia isn't fulfilling his "purpose." Similarly in Albert Camus' The Plague, Rieux and the townspeople of Oran learn that in order to avoid their seemingly pre-destined plan (dying of the plague) they must take matters into their own hands (sanitation squads etc..) and at least try to fight the grim outcome.