Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by tinear (A) on March 23, 2007 at 05:00:05

shows he's already one of the better documentarians.
Daniel Johnston is a legend--a self-taught musician/songwriter/singer--who has had an adult life filled with stays in mental hospitals, arrests, run-ins with the law, violence, and serious accidents. Yet, through it all, he has maintained his dedication to his art, both drawing and composing amazingly original works.
More than a cult figure, Johnston has earned the respect of many well-known musicians and groups, including the late Curt Kobain and the group Wilco, and his songs have been recorded by over 150 artists.
Unfortunately, everytime Johnston was poised to become a more well-known artist, his serious emotional problems sabotaged him: he has had a decades long obsession thinking the Devil is driving him, possessing him.
The documentary actually should be double-credited: much of it is made up of video material which Johnston either took of himself or had others do so, extending from childhood.
His ink and crayon designs also prominently are featured, showing the unity and permanence of his vision: Caspar the Friendly Ghost, demons, a multi-armed beast, eyeballs, a figure with an amputated head and other creatures people his songs, as well.
For those that enjoyed the documentary "R. Crumb," think back for a moment to that artist's brother who lived, Zen-like, in a dingy apartment. Now, imagine if THAT individual had possessed immense talent.
That, in many respects, is Johnston.