The Devil and Daniel Johnston (2005)

Daniel Johnston, manic-depressive genius singer/songwriter/artist is revealed in this portrait of madness, creativity and love.

Director:

Jeff Feuerzeig

Writer:

Jeff Feuerzeig

Stars:

Daniel Johnston, Mabel Johnston, Bill Johnston

2 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Daniel Johnston	...	Self
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Laurie Allen	...	Self
Brian Beattie	...	Self
Louis Black	...	Self
David Fair	...	Self
Jad Fair	...	Self
Don Goede	...	Self
Matt Groening	...	Self
Gibby Haynes	...	Self
Sally Johnston Reid	...	Self
Bill Johnston	...	Self
Dick Johnston	...	Self
Mabel Johnston	...	Self
Margie Johnston	...	Self
Ken Lieck	...	Self

Storyline

Born January 22, 1961, the late Daniel Johnston began expressing himself through art as a child while doctors struggled to accurately diagnose his unusual behavior. In addition to drawing prolifically, he began using a boombox record curiously stirring songs to cassette tape in high school. Following his brother to Texas, he eventually landed in Austin, working unskilled jobs while continuing to record and self-distribute music to friends and friendly strangers. It was clear to everyone that Daniel was not a typical artist - a disquieting innocence, with references to both light and dark spiritual forces, were evident throughout his work. It was this distinctive voice that compelled local musicians to share his art beyond Austin's city limits, culminating in respected indie musicians like Tom Waits, Beck, and Wilco to either record his songs or reach out to collaborate. Four years in the making, THE DEVIL AND DANIEL JOHNSTON honors the complex artistry of Daniel Johnston while ...

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Plot Keywords:

the beatles | new york city | manhattan new york city | mental hospital | west virginia | 

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Genres:

Documentary | Biography | Music

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, drug content, and language including a sexual reference

Did You Know?

Trivia

Would visit Starseeds Cafe in Austin and leave drawings on yellow legal pad paper for his favorite friends.

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Quotes

Daniel Johnston: I never met a girl I didn't meet.

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Connections

References The Devil and Daniel Webster (1941)

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Soundtracks

Love Will Save Me Somehow
Written by Daniel Johnston
Performed by Daniel Johnston
Published by Eternal Yip Eye Music (BMI)
Administered by BUG Music Publishing

User Reviews

The Story Of An Artist Or Frankenstien Vs. The World

Wasn't a fan, before this. I was coming in because I heard it was good movie, in of itself, and it is, it's a great, haunting and hilarious documentary. I don't think Daniel Johnston is the greatest living song-writer, but I can see a definite line of influences that can be traced back to his music and sensibilities, that are important enough.

Whether or not you like his music or art, isn't really the point, it's an amazing story, of love, fame, madness, art, religion, family, and community (it takes a village to raise a child, and an small army to keep Johnstn just alive and functioning, not to mention getting his work distributed).

Though in the end it's more bittersweet, than tragic, Jonston's still alive, living with his parents, writing songs to a girl he hasn't seen since college, jamming with kids off the street, and of course, fighting off the devil.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 May 2006 (UK)

Also Known As:

The Devil and Daniel Johnston

Filming Locations:

Austin, Texas, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$23,192, 2 April 2006

Gross USA:

$334,450

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$432,339

Company Credits

Production Co:

Complex Corporation, This Is That Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

110 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Black and White Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1