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

Sorry Entertainer
Written by Daniel Johnston
Performed by Daniel Johnston
Published by Eternal Yip Eye Music (BMI)
Administered by BUG Music Publishing
Courtesy of Daniel Johnston

User Reviews

One of the best Documentary Films

This film take you on a journey into a creative genius' struggle with life. Daniel Johnston recorded his entire life on cassette tape and his early life on film. Later he appeared on MTV, and in venues in Austin, TX on film and video. These provide the film-maker with a wide array of media for telling this story.

Jeff Feuerzeig weaves this material seamlessly into what is one of the most emotionally wrenching films I've seen in the last year and one of my favorite documentaries ever. It is hard to compare this film with documentaries like those of Michael Moore which are comedic and topical, or those of Errol Morris, which tend to focus on issues and facts. This documentary brings emotional threads and creativity into play in a way that dissolves the usual harsh contrast between a story and it's telling. You forget you are watching a documentary film, and become immersed in Daniel's life. Daniel's effect on those around him is interwoven with his own recordings. His family and friend are there to add to his story to show how his life is reflected upon them. Feuerzeig use of Daniel's parents narrative is simply masterful - it provides important information, and at the same time illustrates the the emotional turmoil his illness causes in the lives of those that love him. Daniel's family is portrayed from the early period of his illness when they have no idea what mental illness really means, to the present time when they become his supporters and advocates. Eventually, family and friend's are shown coming to terms with Daniel's mental illness, and experience their own emotional growth as well.

It deservedly won the Directors Award at Sundance 2005, and I think it would have won the audience award if it had a different play schedule.

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:

Color Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1