Review of The Devil and Daniel Johnston (2006) by Joseph S — 29 Jul 2008

Wasn't a fan, before this. I was comming in because I heard it was good movie, in of itself, and it is, it's a great, haunting and hilarious documentary. I dont think Daniel Johnston is the greatest living song-writer, but I can see a definite line o...(read more) f inlfluences that can be traced back to his music and sensibilities, that are important enough.

Whether or not you like his music or art, isn't really the point, it's an amazing story, of love, fame, madness, art, religion, family, and community (it takes a village to raise a child, and an small army to keep Johnstn just alive and functioning, not to mention getting his work distributed).

Though in the end it's more bittwesweet, than tragic, Jonston's still alive, living with his parents, writing songs to a girl he hasn't seen since college, jamming with kids off the street, and of course, fighting off the devil.