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

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.

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Quotes

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

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Connections

References Play Misty for Me (1971)

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Soundtracks

My Yoke Is Heavy
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

fantastic study of mental illness, and our desire to romanticise

I watched this knowing that I am not a big fan of the music of Daniel Johnston, but found it ceaselessly moving and fascinating. No just because of Daniel's unstoppable creativity and heartbreaking slump into ever increasing circles of mental illness, but because of the honesty of people around him. Saying that they were scared, that they just wanted him to go to hospital and get better, the truth... I really thought this film would be a bog standard "worship the romantic tortured genius" thing, but it actually gave you a really authentic feeling of how terrifying and uncontrollable mental illness truly is. Also, let's see more Daniel Johnston cartoons, the bit with the eye ball flying out of the head on the stack of comic books was absolute genius.

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