Best documentary at Sundace Film Festival 2005 and the best music documentary of the 21st century recently named by IndieWire – “The Devil and Daniel Johnston” is a fascinating film that was well-constructed – using audio tapes, video, interviews and a few scenes of Daniel today.
Born January 22, 1961, the late Daniel Johnston began expressing himself through art as a child while doctors struggled to accurately diagnose his unusual behavior. In addition to drawing prolifically, he began using a boombox record curiously stirring songs to cassette tape in high school. Following his brother to Texas, he eventually landed in Austin, working unskilled jobs while continuing to record and self-distribute music to friends and friendly strangers. It was this distinctive voice that compelled local musicians to share his art beyond Austin’s city limits, culminating in respected indie musicians like Tom Waits, Lana Del Rey, Beck, Beach House, Wilco and many others to either record his songs or reach out to collaborate.