Memory and Desire

Here was an individual who was gifted with remarkable talents -- creativity and brilliance oozed from every pore; manifested itself in his art, his homemade movies, his music. But here was an individual too, who suffered from mental disorder, from bouts of manic depression, delusions, and paranoia. It was clear that he was a powerful, engaging presence who strongly affected everyone who came into close contact with him. Testimony from his family, his friends, his acquaintances, all demonstrated this poignantly. And yet he is compelled -- in between bouts of his madness -- to continue to create and produce such a profusion, such a strong body of work. His music's been covered by numerous artists including, Pearl Jam, Beck, Wilco, Sonic Youth, Yo La Tengo, Butthole Surfers, Half Japanese, and Nirvana; and his artworks has been displayed in numerous galleries all over the world.

It may seem, from this surface description, like your typical film about your typical mad genius, but the documentary is so much more than that -- the director, Jeff Feuerzeig, just in fact won Best Documentary Director at Sundance. The piece is beautiful, well-put together, virtuosic in its arrangement (it must have been quite a job to distill the massive amounts of information available) and elegant camera shots (I was drooling at all the striking cinematography). And in the end, you too, will be affected -- if you have a passion for anything in life, if you have an interest in art, music, and the stuggles inherent in the human condition.

I read with interest SFist Rita's review of the film and noted her observation, vetted by another commenter, of a bit of the exploitive nature of the film, and the questions about the complicity of the filmmaker and our complicity as an audience in watching this story of a psychologically troubled man. I need to watch the work again, and think a bit more about it. And yet isn't exploitation a question for all documentarians, for photographers, artists or filmmakers who select certain subjects? I have heard that proceeds from the documentary are going in part, to a foundation for Daniel, but I don't have any printed confirmation of that yet.

Go see this film. You will not be disappointed.

Other links:

• Official Daniel Johnston Website
• Rejected Unknown: official Daniel Johnston Fansite
• Daniel Johnston Museum of Love: Stress Records, run by Daniel's old manager.