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The Devil and Daniel Johnston

2005 · Movie · PG-13 · 110 min

7.6(141)unSUB Rating

DocumentaryMusic

This documentary traces the life of a singular musician and artist from childhood to adulthood, using extensive personal recordings and archival material. It focuses on how creativity, faith, and fame intersect with severe mental illness, and how inner “demons” shape both the work and the relationships around it.

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Not currently available to stream in the US.

2 hours to watch.

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Details
Years
2005
Release date
2006-03-31
Language
English
Rated
PG-13
Runtime
110 min
TMDB rating (input)
7.7/10 (141 votes)
About

You’ll likely enjoy this if you like intimate music documentaries that balance inspiration with difficult realities, such as Searching for Sugar Man or Marley; Not for you if you want a light watch or dislike intense mental-health and religious themes.

Pros: powerful emotional story; fascinating archival footage; thoughtful mental illness portrait | Cons: music may not click; heavy themes throughout; long runtime for some

Themes

  • west virginia
  • infatuation
  • character study
  • music documentary

Awards & recognition

  • Sundance U.S. Directing Award: Documentary · 2005

Cast & crew

  • Daniel Johnston

    Daniel Johnston

    as Self

  • BJ

    Bill Johnston

    as Self

  • MJ

    Margie Johnston

    as Self

  • MJ

    Mabel Johnston

    as Self

  • JT

    Jeff Tartakov

    as Self

  • KM

    Kathy McCarty

    as Self

  • DJ

    Dick Johnston

    as Self

  • LA

    Laurie Allen

    as Self

  • SR

    Sally Johnston Reid

    as Self

  • Gibby Haynes

    Gibby Haynes

    as Self

Directed by Jeff Feuerzeig