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