The Devil and Daniel Johnston

Watch on: YouTube (rent) / Amazon Prime (rent) / Stream (with ads)

A beautiful, peculiar, intriguing and heartbreaking portrait of a tortured artist and songwriter.

Daniel was so much more than a one-of-a-kind artist. He was funny, inventive, driven, and bold in many ways that have never been replicated.

Some of his most famous songs include “True Love Will Find You in the End,” “Some Things Last a Long Time,” “Walking the Cow,” and “The Story of an Artist.”

Daniel Johnston gained a cult following as artists such as Kurt Cobain, Beck, Wilco, and so many more have recorded his songs and sang his praises over the years.

This documentary brings you into the life of Daniel Johnston through interviews with his many friends and family members, in addition to found footage of his life and performances.

The High, How Are You? Project was founded to fight towards raising awareness about mental health. You can learn more, donate, and buy merch with Daniel’s artwork on it here.

Check out a playlist of artists covering his music below:

The Devil and Daniel Johnston (2005) Documentary, Biography, Music | 1h 50min | 5 May 2006 (UK)

7.9

Director: Jeff FeuerzeigWriters: Jeff FeuerzeigStars: Daniel Johnston, Mabel Johnston, Bill JohnstonSummary: 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 clear to everyone that Daniel was not a typical artist - a disquieting innocence, with references to both light and dark spiritual forces, were evident throughout his work. 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, Beck, and Wilco to either record his songs or reach out to collaborate. Four years in the making, THE DEVIL AND DANIEL JOHNSTON honors the complex artistry of Daniel Johnston while ... Written by Mae Moreno