The Devil and Daniel Johnston

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Audience Member Above all, the story of a beautiful and influential artist, but also a more general story that makes you consider the connection between creativity and mental illness. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/22/23 Full Review Audience Member A documentary about an ill person that found in art the way to escape. Recommended Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review nefasto r Sometimes is difficult to find the thin line between genius and craziness. Not this time. In any case and opinions a side, this documentary is a crazy journey and a clear look at mental illness. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member What does it take to get truly genius, next-level art? Is it worth it? This might be the best introduction to Johnston's catalogue, providing a deep context for his work. It's a stellar combination of beautiful music, a compelling protagonist, subtle direction, and an endlessly compelling true story. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/24/23 Full Review kyle v Reviewed 9.2.19 Like most, I discovered Daniel Johnston from Kurt Cobain's t-shirt (the t-shirt: the Twitter of it's day). He was immediately likable; his childlike songs and delivery, original. And his tale, of a mentally unstable genius, soon became indie legend. Of course, it's never that simple. Mental illness isn't cute, nor romantic. Daniel Johnston, the myth, made for a fun story. A head case churning out childlike songs of longing and love. Signing a major label record deal from a mental institution. His dreams of artistic success realized. I liked that version. The truth is much darker. Supported by deeply personal interviews with family and friends, his true story of mental anguish and the resulting suffering of all those that loved him, is brought to life. An interview with Daniel is sorely missing, but his lifetime of personal recordings serve as a solid substitute. With his recent passing, this documentary, a brief short film and his catalog of songs, will serve as his legacy. One part pure artistic inspiration, another part cautionary tale, he has left an interesting legacy. As he sang in one of his best tunes 'some things last a long time.' Time will tell. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member Daniel Johnston is a complex and tortured soul. A beautiful mind tormented by manufactured visions of devilish grandeur. This documentary captures a musical genius and his declining mental health. His talent is undeniable so if you're a musician or an artist this is a must see movie if you're looking for inspiration. He passed on 11/09/19 and he will be missed greatly. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/23/23 Full Review Read all reviews

The Devil and Daniel Johnston

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