Hopefully the unconventional is recognized as a recurring theme pulsing through these biweekly installments.
In keeping with that spirit, I present two documentaries about some outsider musicians. These two songwriters are also linked by the fact that they have had very real inner demons to battle with in life. The positive aspect of those demons is that they also aid in the creativity of some amazing art (visual and audible in both cases).
Interestingly, both men wrote songs about the comic book ghost, Casper.
The Devil and Daniel Johnston
The Devil And Daniel Johnston was just recently released on DVD. Daniel Johnston started recording folk songs of himself singing and playing piano in his home on a cheesy cassette player. Being a talented artist, he also created his own cover art, and would duplicate the tapes himself. He handed them out to anyone who would take one. The filmmakers were blessed as Daniel provided them with films he had made as a kid, audio tapes of family squabbles, his artwork, and much more.
Many great artists have covered Daniel Johnston’s songs including Yo La Tengo and Tom Waits.
The film is a fabulous and sometimes dark journey of an individual trying to gain control over his severe manic depression, all the while trying to produce the amazing art, which seems to thrive upon the affliction.
Wesley Willis: The Daddy of Rock 'n' Roll
Wesley Willis: The Daddy of Rock ’n’ Roll is also available on DVD.
Willis said it best, “God gave me this Rock career to keep me busy. Back in 1991 I used to hit old people with folding chairs. Suddenly, I moved to the north side of Chicago, Illinois, in 1992. It made a rock star out of me at last. I’m the daddy of Rock ‘n’ Roll! I’m Wesley Willis, I’m 36 years old. I play music and do art. I have schizophrenia. I have chronic schizophrenia . . . That’s when I started hearing demons . . . I yell, I scream, I holler at people on buses.”
Wesley Willis wrote stream of conscious Rock songs about fast food and the many things that he encountered in life. His song “Rock ’n’ Roll McDonald’s” was featured in the documentary, Super Size Me.
Wesley Willis: The Daddy of Rock ’n’ Roll documentary follows the artist around as he writes and interacts with friends and strangers. It is some precious footage, especially since Wesley Willis is no longer with us. Sadly, he died on Aug. 21, 2003, due to complications with a form of leukemia.
Until next time, I hope you have a great viewing experience. Comments are welcomed at cinespire@gmail.com.
