SummaryThe Devil and Daniel Johnston is a stunning portrait of a musical and artistic genius who nearly slipped away. Daniel Johnston, a manic-depressive genius singer/songwriter/artist, is revealed in this portrait of madness, creativity and love. (Sony Pictures Classics)
Directed By:Jeff Feuerzeig
Written By:Jeff Feuerzeig
The Devil and Daniel Johnston
Metascore
Generally Favorable
77
User score
Generally Favorable
7.2
My Score
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Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
77
94% Positive
31 Reviews
31 Reviews
6% Mixed
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
100
The offhand wit and casual self-revelation of Johnston's best words draw you deeper into the mysteries of his character. Feuerzeig is a music-lover to his bones.
88
There are frightening moments, as when he attacks an elderly woman he thinks is possessed by devils. And revelatory, heartbreaking ones, which can make you think that maybe he is a genius, after all.
83
A fascinating and lovingly crafted musical documentary that nevertheless misunderstands its own subject.
78
At the end of the day, Johnston's childlike stream of unrequited love landed him on MTV, Atlantic Records, and now a feature-length theatrical recounting of his life. Take that, Satan.
75
Jeff Feuerzeig's film is as good a portrait of the artist as a beloved basket case as you'll see, but it's kept from greatness by the questions it refuses to ask itself.
70
As its title suggests, the picture is something of a ballad, an ode to an elusive character who's both quintessentially human and so outlandish he almost seems unreal.
50
A performer of formidable self-absorption, Johnston has inspired a film with the same trait, and the results are about what you might expect.
User score
Generally Favorable
7.2
82% Positive
14 Ratings
14 Ratings
0% Mixed
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
18% Negative
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
Jun 10, 2011
10
I actually think Daniel Johnston was mis-diagnosed. I think he is on the autistic spectrum and originally had aspergers, but lack of understanding of his condition due to mis-diagnosis, accompanied by his drug use made his condition worse. He is totally a genius in what he was interested in, as are most people with aspergers.
Jul 15, 2022
7
Es un gran documental y definitivamente me sirvió ahora que estoy deprimido y tomando psicofármaco, además de estar buscando calma e inspiración para mi arte. Es una gran historia, grandes tomas, y toca parte sensibles. No es una master piece, pero para mí es recomendable si te consideras algo con el arte
Production Company:
- Complex Corporation
- This Is That Productions
Release Date:Mar 31, 2006
Duration:1 h 50 m
Rating:PG-13
Awards
Sundance Film Festival
• 1 Win & 2 Nominations
NatFilm Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Warsaw International Film Festival
• 1 Nomination
