Danielson: a Family Movie (or, Make a Joyful Noise HERE)

2006 Christian rock 'n' roll documentary

Rating: 14/20

Plot: Chronicles the creative life and work of the Smith family who perform as the Danielson family, from the early days in which principal songwriter Daniel Smith forms the group with his siblings--performing in nurse and tree costumes--to when life takes the members of the group their separate ways. Sufjan Stevens and his stupid hat are also all over this.

Enjoyable enough glimpse at a very creative mind. At times, it seems like Brother Danielson is knocking on the door of wherever the hell Brian Wilson and Daniel Johnston reside. In fact, Daniel Johnston's actually in this. But it's clearly a case of the music and appearances being stranger than the reality as the family seem really grounded and live completely normal lives. The documentary is structured in a frustrating way, and there are some scenes or performances that went on too long. I also could have done with less Sufjan Stevens, probably because his hat was really really silly. I would have been interested in seeing more reactions to this from the Christian community since it seems that a large percentage of their fans are non-religious. I loved the Danielson's music the first time I heard it, but I assume it would be absolutely grating for most people--it's rhythmically bizarre and Smith sings in a strained falsetto. I also have to assume that large parts of this documentary would be grating to most people. There's a lot of concert footage, rehearsal stuff, and recording scenes. But sprinkled in with all that is a look at a loving family with an amazing creative energy, a positive message about being true to yourself, and an insightful peek at the creative process. It's worth a look for anybody with a tolerance for music a little left of the dial.

Note: Smith watches and discusses the documentary Salesman, a movie I enjoyed some time last year.