Synopsis
This 2005 documentary film chronicles the life of Daniel Johnston, a manic-depressive genius singer/songwriter/artist, from childhood up to the present, with an emphasis on his mental illness and how it manifested itself in demonic self-obsession.
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Cast
- Daniel JohnstonSelf
- Matt GroeningSelf
- Louis BlackSelf
- Gibby HaynesSelf
- Thurston MooreSelf
- Laurie AllenSelf
- Brian BeattieSelf
- David FairSelf
- Jad FairSelf
- Don GoedeSelf
Recommendations
- 91
The A.V. Club
By the time Feuerzeig gets to his final shot--an artful portrait of Johnston's parents, with their son looming over them like a curse--he's emerged with the most harrowing and aesthetically keen portrait of madness and artistic inspiration since "Crumb." - 90
The Hollywood Reporter
Whatever one's opinion of Johnston's art, this is documentary filmmaking at its finest. - 88
Rolling Stone
No wonder Kurt Cobain was a fan. But it's the way Feuerzeig walks with him on the line between creativity and madness that digs this haunting and hypnotic film into your memory. - 83
Entertainment Weekly
A fascinating and lovingly crafted musical documentary that nevertheless misunderstands its own subject. - 80
Village Voice
Jeff Feuerzeig's tremendous documentary runs on the motive force of intelligent fandom and radiates an ineffable grace. - 80
L.A. Weekly
Some of his mystical encounters are just too spooky and amazing to reveal here, and Feuerzeig (director of previous documentaries on Jon Hendricks and Half Japanese) weaves them into the story with excellent timing and a psychedelic eye, aided by editor Tyler Hubby and cinematographer Fortunato Procopio. - 75
Premiere
One thing not open to question is that the real heroes of this movie are Johnston's family, particularly his aging parents, who for all their heartbreak are palpably full of love and forbearance for their disturbed and, yes, talented boy. - 70
Film Threat
With this film, I believe that the strange and wonderful legend of Daniel Johnston will only continue to grow.
