Must-see flick for music fans (The Devil & Daniel Johnston)

[edger]

We watched this flick last night. A tragic and inspiring figure who wrote some great songs. Anyone else had a chance to see this yet? If not, check it out.

http://www.sonyclassics.com/devilanddaniel/aboutthefilm.html:

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.

Daniel Johnston is a manic-depressive genius singer/songwriter/artist, 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.

As a reclusive teenager growing up in New Cumberland, VA, Johnston began showing signs of unusual artistic ability at an early age. He religiously recorded his thoughts and stories onto cassette tapes, directed intuitive Super- 8 films starring himself in multiple roles ala Peter Sellers, and created expressive comic book-style drawings and animation in the basement of his family's home. However, in the eyes of his fundamentalist Christian family, Daniel simply wasn't contributing to society in a useful or productive way. After running off on a moped and joining a carnival, he landed in Austin, Texas, broke and alone. It was there he began to hone his musical career, recording folk songs on a series of homemade, lo-fi cassettes, which Daniel handed out free to fans, friends and journalists in the early 80s. With the help of a timely break and the thriving Austin music scene, Daniel managed to secure a brief spotlight on MTV making him a minor celebrity. But just as he was beginning to make a name for himself, his inner demons began to surface and Daniel's ongoing struggle with manic depression became more and more evident in his songs and drawings.

"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 add a rich layer to his personal history, but it is Daniel's poetic songs interwoven throughout the film, that tell their own passionate, haunting, and truly unforgettable story.

[ollie]

Yeah, great movie. There was another thread about it a few months back. He's coming to Ottawa in a couple of weeks and I have tickets. I find some of his songs to be achingly beautiful in their honesty. Can't wait for the show.

[bouche]

for comic relief, daniel's brother is his publicity manager and his given name is Dick. Dick Johnston.

[Booche]

Make sure you watch the extas because one scene is a must-see. Daniel is being interviewed by a friend and he is out there.

[Velvet]

Meh.

I don't get him at all.

It seems to me the only reasons the guy is famous is 'cuz a) Kurt Cobain wore his t-shirt, and this documentary was made.

Musically the guy is at about grade 4, and lyrically he's around grade 8. Totally public school

[Ms.Huxtable]

I have to agree with you Velvet. I thought I just wasn't "getting" it, but really I just can't stand it.

I know a bunch of people that are going to the Ottawa show, I passed on it. I wasted enough time watching the movie.

[Blane]

Meh.

I don't get him at all.

It seems to me the only reasons the guy is famous is 'cuz a) Kurt Cobain wore his t-shirt, and this documentary was made.

Musically the guy is at about grade 4, and lyrically he's around grade 8. Totally public school

Couldn't disagree more.

I find sometimes people can't get past the raw, stripped down style of his music. If you check out some of the cover versions of his work you might be able to better appreciate his work.

For example, M. Ward does a cover of "To Go Home" on his latest album that might actually be the highlight of the album. The cover stays REALLY true to the original, but has a lot more production:

Sample here: http://mp3.juno.co.uk/MP3/SF256128-02-01-01.mp3

Gord Gano (Violent Femmes) and Beck also do covers of Johnson songs on a fairly recent tribute album to him that really let some of their power come through.

[edger]

Todd and I were both thinking that it would be rather hard on the ears to endure an entire performance of his. However, I do appreciate the raw delivery (despite some extremely awkward and uncomfortable moments as represented in the film), and I did enjoy the film. And as Blane mentioned, some of the songs have great potential to be covered by others. I believe Wilco has also done some of his material?

[AD]

I believe Wilco has also done some of his material?

"True Love will Find You In The End" is a Johnston song that Wilco cover.

[whiteymuseum]

Folks! Daniel Johnston plays Hamilton live on May 8th!!!

Here's the info:

http://www.jambands.ca/sanctuary/showtopic.php?tid/239135/post/428421/hl/DANIEL+JOHNSTON/#428421

PS: Toronto shows are sold out. So give the Hamilton show some biz!

[bouche]

I'm looking forward to getting some photos of D.J. He's got one helluva camera face.

[CyberHippie]

hah at first I thought this thread was about that old flick: The Devil and Daniel Mouse

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEcOXL_wFJw

Anyone remember that one? Man I haven't seen it in years...

haha sorry for the derail

[allison]

Great movie.Daniel Johnston has written some shockingly beautiful lyrics-I'm not so crazy about the delivery and prefer the cover versions.

It seems to me the only reasons the guy is famous is 'cuz a) Kurt Cobain wore his t-shirt, and this documentary was made.

Musically the guy is at about grade 4, and lyrically he's around grade 8. Totally public school

I agree with Velvet here in a way BUT still appreciate the lyricism.If Daniel hadn't promoted himself and been picked up as a sort of indie rock bipolar Christ he wouldn't be famous-I don't think the songs in and of themselves would have been picked up on their own merits.

As for the "public school" aspect- I get that too but like it because of it.It so unabashedly raw and emotional, so me, me , me I find it impossible not to be both moved AND embarrassed by it.Kinda like high school love poems-self centric,naked,and overblown angst-but real.