The Devil and Daniel Johnston

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The Devil and Daniel Johnston

PG-13

Released Jan 27, 2005

1h 50m

Documentary

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Popcornmeter

88%

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111 Reviews

91%

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25,000+ Ratings

Filmmaker Jeff Feuerzeig chronicles the life of a manic-depressive musician and artist, using a blend of home movies, Johnston's own audiotapes, vintage performances and current footage. Johnston has recorded more than 10 full-length albums and amassed a prolific portfolio of sketches, and has among his supporters Matt Groening, David Bowie, Sonic Youth, Beck, and Tom Waits.

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Critics Consensus

Whether you think this mentally ill cult musician is worthy of being called a "genius," this document of his life is crafted with sincere respect and is fascinating to watch.

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Victoria Segal

New Statesman

... really more about the tragic effects of madness than the glory of art.

Sep 26, 2017

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Nick Schager

Lessons of Darkness

Riveting even when it borders on the hagiographic.

Rated: B

Nov 13, 2006

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Michael Senft

Arizona Republic

The Devil and Daniel Johnston is an unflinching yet loving look at the outsider musician's life. It's also the most revealing look at genius and mental illness since Terry Zwigoff's 1994 documentary Crumb.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 10, 2006

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Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

More of a film for Johnston's almost cult-like admirers.

Rated: 2.0/4.0

Sep 6, 2020

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Josh Goller

Spectrum Culture

A convincing case for how the transcendence of Johnston's art stemmed from the rawness with which he expressed himself in spite of, and not due to, his demons.

Sep 28, 2019

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Dorothy Woodend

The Tyee (British Columbia)

Director Jeff Feuerzeig's film The Devil and Daniel Johnston, which captured the Director's Award for documentaries at last year's Sundance Film Festival, tells the story of a singer/songwriter/something else named Daniel Johnston.

Aug 24, 2017

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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 out of 5 stars

01/22/23

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robbie v

This is one weird and weirdly talented dude.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Audience Member

A documentary about an ill person that found in art the way to escape. Recommended

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/27/23

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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 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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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 out of 5 stars

02/24/23

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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 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Jeff Feuerzeig

Director

Henry S. Rosenthal

Producer

Ted Hope

Executive Producer

Fortunato Procopio

Cinematographer

Tyler Hubby

Film Editing

Jill McGraw

Art Director

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Synopsis

Filmmaker Jeff Feuerzeig chronicles the life of a manic-depressive musician and artist, using a blend of home movies, Johnston's own audiotapes, vintage performances and current footage. Johnston has recorded more than 10 full-length albums and amassed a prolific portfolio of sketches, and has among his supporters Matt Groening, David Bowie, Sonic Youth, Beck, and Tom Waits.

Director: Jeff Feuerzeig
Producer: Henry S. Rosenthal
Production Co: Complex Corporation
Rating: PG-13 (Sexual Reference|Language|Drug Content|Thematic Elements)
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 27, 2005, Original
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Mar 31, 2006
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 8, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $332.3K
Runtime: 1h 50m

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