Yesterday netflix brought me Danielson: A Family Movie (or Make a Joyful Noise Here). I think the movie was recommended to me from netflix based on my high ratings of Fearless Freaks, I am Trying To Break Your Heart and the Devil and Daniel Johnston. I had no idea what this movie was about other than the brief description that it was based on Danielson Famile a Christian band struggling to make it in mainstream music. I popped it in on my lunch break and immediately knew this was going to be a great movie. They are much more than just a Christian band and it is important to say that they have a sound that many might not be able to stomach. Their concerts are almost more like performance art and their sound is very indi. Daniel Smith the leader of the whole group went to art school and works as a visual artist and musician. Things that I really love about this movie:
The family is all entirely normal and happy. Not all artists have to be tortured and hate their families like society may want you to believe.
Near the end of the movie Daniel starts discussing his interest in incorporating his visual arts back into his current work. He is appealed by the idea of door-to-door salesmen and came up with this project of being a door-to-door salesman who carries around handmade items and artwork to sell to you in your home. He believes that Art should be something for everyone and not so precious that everyday people can’t enjoy it. This concept totally harkens back to the idea behind Artomat.
I also like the idea that it is okay to work in many mediums. When you go to Art school that is just very taboo. You are told you should be a this major, or that major and if you can’t commit to one medium that you are skunked. I just love hearing examples of successful artists who bridge those gaps.
One of Daniels handmade items is “The Good Eye Blinders”. A pair of blinders made of hearts to keep yours eyes focused on what you need to be focusing on. I need those pretty bad, as I have often said I wish I had art blinders to help keep me focused on what I am working on at the time.
Sufjan Stevens plays/ed with the family before he got huge. According to the movie he says he is a foster sibling.
I’m not going to say this movie is for everyone, but if you also liked the movies that I mentioned in the first paragraph, then you will probably enjoy Danielson: A family Movie.
