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 ...

---

Plot Keywords:

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

---

Genres:

Documentary | Biography | Music

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

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

Did You Know?

Trivia

As seen in the DVD extras, Daniel and Laurie would meet again after 30+ years following a screening of this film. She said she kept every memento he gave her and was grateful that he always built up her self esteem and said so many nice things to her when they were friends. The two shared a beautiful moment with a nice hug when they saw each other again.

---

Quotes

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

---

Connections

References Star Trek: The Original Series (1966)

---

Soundtracks

Lazy
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

Documentary Masterpeace

I saw this little gem at the Berlinale film festival in Berlin, with the director and the producer present. It is about the life and work of Daniel Johnston, a US singer/songwriter/painter with a manic depressive condition. In opposite to the director and many of the people participating in the movie, I do not regard Daniel Johnston as a genius, but he still is a very interesting character, and some of his songs and paintings are very moving. The film is very well done, quite uplifting and entertaining, with a big love for the main character and at the same time a nice and unoffensive sense of humor. I definitely recommend it, whether you are a fan of Daniel Johnstion or not. 9 out of 10.

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