'Darko' director probed over terrorist links

The Department of Homeland Security is reportedly investigating Richard Kelly.

May 12 2006

I've been going on and on (and on) about 'Southland Tales' for some time now, such is my excitement for Richard Kelly's follow-up to 'Donnie Darko'.

Grim news has now reached Time Out Towers about the project however, in that Kelly might not be able to attend the world premiere of his own film.

The US Department of Homeland Security is apparently investigating the 31-year-old writer-director, with his passport being held under review.

Sources suggest that the filmmaker, whose full name is James Richard Kelly, has been confused with James Kelly, who is on the terrorist most wanted list.

Kelly himself is starting to get suspicious about the investigation, especially as 'Southland Tales' touches on controversial issues like the security measures taken by the US government following 9/11.

'The paranoid conspiracy freak inside me is starting to think this has something to do with the film' Kelly said, admitting that he has contacted a US Senator about the matter and even has his mother searching for documents to help him prove his American citizenship.

No matter how this strange situation sorts itself out, the film should still hit screens over here on September 15, and if Time Out is allowed into Cannes, we'll post a 'Southland Tales' review in the next fortnight.