Many of you may already be familiar with the bittersweet documentary The Devil and Daniel Johnston, but if you're yet to experience it, now is as good a time as any.
Released in 2006 and filmed by indie documentary filmmaker Jeff Feuerzeig, it's the story of haunted genius. Growing up, the California born Daniel Johnston was full of artistic talent but plagued by a series of mental health problems.
From the brief highs of his professional career to the profound lows of his personal life, we see Johnston as a tortured soul. Musician and artist, in his prime he was revered by bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam and yet oblivious. Fuelled by an unrequited love, when he released his creative energy he in turn cleansed his demons and the young man full of promise could be glimpsed once more. However the calm was not always long lasting.
Released in 2006 and filmed by indie documentary filmmaker Jeff Feuerzeig, it's the story of haunted genius. Growing up, the California born Daniel Johnston was full of artistic talent but plagued by a series of mental health problems.
From the brief highs of his professional career to the profound lows of his personal life, we see Johnston as a tortured soul. Musician and artist, in his prime he was revered by bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam and yet oblivious. Fuelled by an unrequited love, when he released his creative energy he in turn cleansed his demons and the young man full of promise could be glimpsed once more. However the calm was not always long lasting.
By combining home movie footage (of which there was plenty) with candid interviews of friends and family, Feuerzeig chronicles Johnston's unusual life.
The result is a tale of a man at war with himself and his own mind, touching, heartbreaking and at times funny, it's guaranteed to stay with you.
Thankfully, since the documentaries release in 2006, Daniel's mental health has improved and he continues to play music and tour. In fact he'll be in the UK later this year.
The result is a tale of a man at war with himself and his own mind, touching, heartbreaking and at times funny, it's guaranteed to stay with you.
Thankfully, since the documentaries release in 2006, Daniel's mental health has improved and he continues to play music and tour. In fact he'll be in the UK later this year.
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