This was an endless barrage of pictures, recordings, drawings, home movies and songs featuring the incredible yet desperately sad life of Daniel Johnston. As the movie progressed, I had the sinking feeling it would fall in the category of othe films i've seen with unusual subject material where I would have an uncomfortable feeling in my stomach, but I actually didn't. To say Daniel's life is inspiring depends on your perspective; it seems he was a Manic Depressive, but they never make clear if he was ever positively diagnosed, he saw things, feared evil and Satan everywhere he went, could only hold a job wiping down tables in a fast food joint and even now still is taken care of by his extremely elderly parents with tender care. But the things Daniel took to create ever since his brain could fathom and express the thoughts that poured from it is something to be proud of. Even at his mental state, he still earns money through his unique and numerous musical recordings and artistry, not just here in the US, but also prominently in Europe as well.
One thing I thought was neat about the film was the recreated stages of his life by the director, obviously staged they accompained the audio tape playbacks very well. It was a very original portrait of a one of a kind person, and the movie makes you realize, if nothing else, that we are not all the same, but all have an equal opportunity to do something that matters because it's shown over and over again, from his eager new bandmates, to old friends and acquantices, and even to his former manager who has become a seemingly harmless version of Daniel himself, they all look up to him and have found something in his body of work that means something to them. Sadly, it doesn't seem that Daniel can enjoy, or is even aware of his effect on people or be able to reflect on his own achievements. The film really plays up the double edged sword to Daniel's unlikely success very well.
A movie I def. would not have found myself so thanks for this very interesting pick Brian, overall I enjoyed the experience of placing myself into this world for an hour and 50 minutes but you can't help but feel a deep pain in your heart watching that final scene and hearing the dialogue.
Interesting that you'd point out if Daniel knew how prolific and how much of an impact his music had to his fans. He was so disassociated with the outside world. I never really thought of that -- good point.
ReplyDeleteyou mention unusual subject material sometimes leaving an uncomfortable feeling in the pit of your stomach.. - sometimes, i think this is a great thing.. to introduce ourselves to all facets of the human experience even the ones that may challenge us.. - i hope in the next rounds to bring forth some more thought-provoking films that may have slipped under most casual filmgoer's radars..
ReplyDeletemaybe sometimes, films that come to mind were a couple examining serial killers, such as Dahmer or Monster that made me feel ill and to me at least, weren't thought provoking in the least. I think this movie overall went for an inspiring tone. Things like my other examples introduce murder and psychosis, two pieces of the human experience i can do without.
ReplyDeleteokay, i can see more of what you're saying.. i mean.. if a film explicitly deals with creepiness and is trying to bother you.. that's one thing.. but i don't think you can automatically disqualify any films dealing with murder and psychosis.. - AFI's top 100 list.. arguably the definitive "best of" list has stuff like Psycho and Silence of the Lambs on it..
ReplyDeleteA lot of us have mentioned how well the movie mixed mediums to tell its story. It's hard not to get caught up in Daniel's story but I'm glad we've all been able to appreciate the gifted story telling in the film and not just the music!
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