Rarely do I receive the sense of joy and pleasure from a documentary, such as I have with the Devil and Daniel Johnston.

The real kicker for this flick, how it passes the litmus test, is simple. Most documentaries often fail when they lack relevant and compelling footage. Fortunately for the creators of The Devil and Daniel Johnston, the subject did most of the work for them.

Daniel Johnston, a folk singer with severe bipolar disorder, grew up differently from most kids in West Virginia, always playing the clown for classmates, and focusing all of his attention of his art - short films, music and drawings. He made audio cassette recordings of his thoughts, from childhood to adulthood.

The way the film recreates Johnston's world, without exploiting his condition, is exemplary.

Ultimately, Johnston's unique documentation of his own life - including his obsession with his college friend, Laurie - drives the piece, making it as intimate as watching footage of your own family or neighbors. The presence of Laurie is evident throughout his artwork, and throughout his cassettes of personal thoughts.

Jeff Feuerzeig, the director of The Devil Daniel Johnston, expertly weaves the personal confessionals with live performances, MTV appearances and heartfelt interviews with Johnston's friends and family. Daniel's episodes are at the same time entertaining and disheartening. His religious preoccupation drives him to sabotage his own career - leaving a slue of old friends in the wreckage.

While the interviews are spectacular on their own, the b-roll also carries the film with a certain fluid motion. It's all inventive, clever and some of the most crisp shots imaginable. Rob Featherstone, the film's director of photography deserves his credit. If filmmaking doesn't pan out, he's got quite a career in stock images ahead of him.

The discussion of genius and mental illness - and there repeated association between one another - makes the movie shine. Looking at Daniel Johnston, it's apparent that he's functioning at a different level than the average artist. I'm just not sure if that level is lower or higher than average.
Whether your a fan of his work or haven't even heard him, he's worth taking notice of, and this film is remarkable way to introduce yourself to his world.