THE DEVIL AND
DANIEL JOHNSTON
Year: 2005
USA: Sony Pictures Classics
UK: Tartan Films
Cast: Daniel Johnston, Bill Johnston, Mabel Johnston, Louis Black, Jeff Tartakov
Director: Jeff Feuerzeig
Country: USA
USA & UK: 109 mins
USA Rated: PG-13 for thematic elements, drug content, and language including a sexual reference
UK Certificate: 12A contains strong language and mental illness theme
USA Release Date: 31 March 2006 (Limited Release - New York and Los Angeles)
UK Release Date: 5 May 2006
US Distributor
Synopsis
At the 2005 Sundance Film Festival, THE DEVIL AND DANIEL JOHNSTON was a winner for Best Director. In this film Daniel Johnston, a manic-depressive genius singer/songwriter/artist is revealed in this portrait of madness, creativity and love.
THE DEVIL AND DANIEL JOHNSTON is a stunning portrait of a musical and artistic genius who nearly slipped away. Director Jeff Feuerzeig exquisitely depicts a perfect example of brilliance and madness going hand in hand with subject Daniel Johnston. As an artist suffering from manic depression with delusions of grandeur, Daniel Johnston's wild fluctuations, numerous downward spirals, and periodic respites are exposed in this deeply moving documentary.
THE DEVIL AND DANIEL JOHNSTON artfully melds current footage, vintage performances, home movies, and dozens of recorded audiotapes from Daniel's life. Testimony from supportive friends and a deeply committed family adds a rich layer to his personal history, but it is Daniel's poetic songs interwoven through out the film, that tell their own passionate, haunting, and truly unforgettable story.
Now in his mid 40s, Daniel Johnston has grown into a prolific visual artist. His expressions have earned him worldwide recognition and critical praise, producing international exhibits where he continues to sell his vibrant and intimate sketches. He has recorded over ten full length albums, and his supporters have included Nirvana lead singer Kurt Cobain, who was often seen wearing a Daniel Johnston t shirt, Matt Groening, The Butthole Suffers, Sonic Youth, noted Minutemen/Firehose bassist Mike Watt, David Bowie, Tom Waits, Beck, The Flaming Lips, and an ever-growing international cult audience.