“My Dinner with Daniel” - Daniel Johnston documentary by David Fair 1988

Shot in 1988 at the home of Half Japanese co-founder David Fair, this striking, alternately charming and disturbing footage is cinema verite genius. Daniel Johnston, Jad Fair, Susan Fair, David Fair and Charles Brohawn (The Tinklers) all participate, after Daniel's arrival and a taco dinner prepared by David. Daniel performs some of his classic material, including the astonishing "Don't Play Cards with Satan" from the documentary "The Devil and Daniel Johnston."
Shot by David Fair on VHS.

[@DoomerDad]

“The loneliest people are the kindest. The saddest people smile the brightest. The most damaged people are the wisest. All because they do not wish to see anyone else suffer the way they do.”

[@jennmullins1063]

Idk if I fully agree with this. I think people can take those situations and go either way with it, letting it turn them into a good person or a bad person. I have met both kinds.

[@DoomerDad]

@@jennmullins1063 , true. Unfortunately hurt people hurt people

[@SnakeLady11]

Patti Smith said "Those who have suffered, understand suffering And thereby extend their hand."

[@paradiseali47]

So true

[@paradiseali47]

@@DoomerDad also very true

[@Beawindmill]

Daniel Johnston was a remarkable and special human. When he first came around, people didn't know what to make of him. He struggled with mental illness throughout his life, but his vulnerable spirit was felt deeply in his songs. He was pure life, without ego, without what the "cool kids" thought was " cool." And that's exactly what made him so fucking good. He was completely and entirely himself. How many of us are too attached to the idea of who we think we're supposed to be to actually do what we really want to do in life? How many of us are afraid of the judgement of others, or are too attached to being comfortable in our own skin? And so we don't do the sacred and beautiful thing our hearts so deeply long to bring forth into the world? We've all been given something, and we're meant to give it back with sincerity, honesty, and vulnerability. This is why true art and true love are hard as hell. I'm often a coward when it comes to art and love. This guy wasn't. Follow his lead. This is how the world will heal. This is how you will heal. Bring forth what is within you. This dude got the fuck up on stage and sang his songs from his pure heart and gained a world of fans who really and truly were moved by him. He was pure life, pure Buddha, pure Loving Christ energy cosmically seeking incarnated expression into the world in the form of Daniel Johnston. R.I.P.

[@romang8736]

True

[@Juanfifarek]

Jonathan Van Patten Danny was one of the most pure souls I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.

[@clungeBuster]

I’m happy I seen this comment

[@mikelfuertes594]

@Juan Perez Meh... Ive got the FUN cd since many years ago, my only Daniel J record...(I sold the Artistic Vice lp months ago). I like Catie, and the other songs too, more or less.

[@mikelfuertes594]

@Juan Perez Ojalá os encierren de una puta vez ya y tiren la llave al jodido hiperespacio, IMBECILES

[@AUSROTTENY2K]

i just love that touching yet awkward moment at 25:34 where jad gets emotional, telling daniel that he cried listening to hi how are you and daniel just nods his head repeatedly with his eyes closed while laughing, not really knowing how to react. he seemed like a fun person to hang out with. songs of pain and don't be scared were my favorite of his albums. got me through some of the gloomiest times in my life. rip danny

[@seralouise.]

theres this want to view daniel's life as tragic or misfortunate but the thing with mentally ill ppl is that were still ppl. we still laugh, tell jokes, sing songs, have friends, have sex, love, enjoy our lives. this little movie does a good job of showing that. and it seems like dan was very fulfilled by the life he lead ultimately. he got what he wanted most, to be a beloved artist and musician. and he got to do it on his own terms. and yeah he dealt with a lot of hardship and setbacks but u can tell he knew that it was a great story, and that he wanted to share it with as many ppl as possible.

[@ryegoldenbird]

Yeah, I came for the solo around 28:41 but seeing him laugh at her artists for being weird lol

[@scumbagjesus999]

"I was having a nervous breakdown while recording it...ha ha ha ha" man was too raw

[@nickgrant2906]

Dans ability to no give a fuck and to blast out his vocals gave us so many of the greatest songs ever written

[@MagickFlavour]

Don’t Play Cards With Satan starts at 34:25 for those who want to hear it

[@KNTRA]

thnx

[@andrewdyke5561]

Amazing one of his best performances ever

[@abletonreason]

He'll deal ya an awful hand..

[@patrickmatistic2845]

Rest In Peace Daniel. No one did it as raw as you did❤️

[@sean.3909]

I’d say Phil Elverum is close, but Daniel is the definition of raw

[@lloyddaylight3235]

"I know Rock personally in Austin. I used to go to his house and watch horror movies." Daniel talking about Rocky Erickson

[@briarb2156]

Thought his name was Roky Erickson??

[@lloyddaylight3235]

@@briarb2156 yeah guess I misspelled it, but he does call him "Rok" so a little confusing.

[@flyntcoal4608]

That’s fucking awesomee

[@prokesuk]

Interesting that he talked about Roky Erickson. They had similar situations and both ended up dying in the same year.

[@AndrewKamenMusic]

The stories he tells at 18:25 and 1:01:03 are actually hilarious 😂 I always felt like his humor was one thing people often overlooked.

[@abletonreason]

I'm addicted to these old DJ home movies. I saw one where he was with a friend smoking a joint, then immediately started talking about Satan. Just 1 minute in this one and wondering when he'll start in on that again. Edit: OK, if I ever get a windfall of money I'm coming for that test pressing!

[@EmeraldWoodArchives]

What an extremely lovable guy. Bless you, Daniel.

[@freshmoney003]

You know it's genuine when an artist become emotional while playing their own music.

[@lukeb9122]

It’s sad to see Daniel in this limbo state, teetering and seemingly losing his grip in a concerning manner. And the egomaniac within him heftily directing this whole thing, constantly talking about himself He’s an amazing human who struggled with mental illness. He is raw in purity. A treasure to humanity

[@suicidalpepsi]

I've been looking for this footage, I first saw it in a skate video in the 90's and never saw it again until now. Thanks for sharing. RIP.

[@jamespolly9663]

what skate video?

[@escalera601]

I get emotional every time I sing and play True Love Will Find You in the End. He was a dreamer and a wonderful person. I wish there were more people out there like Daniel Johnston. R.I.P.

[@Uve_]

Despair definetly came knocking.... but i dont answer that door anymore 12:30

[@TheMechanic2266]

only 26mins in and this guy only heard about him this week threw youtube and he talks my language. this guy so loving and caring people like this make worth living for RIP Daniel Johnston

[@TheMechanic2266]

glad he had these lovely and caring friends along the way.

[@weirdpaulp]

Mindblowing - especially because I have only seen Charles the last 7 years at Shakemore and I'd never seen what he looked like back in the 80s before!

[@stefanoconsiglio3177]

Love seeing a weird Paul comment here.! You should do a daniel johnston bid if you havent, and if you have maybe a 2020 remake?

[@noahcoinflip5942]

25:33 such a beautiful moment of connection

[@bowlingstoned2113]

Jad was so supportive and it's very touching to see it firsthand here.

[@auntiewarhol6414]

Daniel was my dream boy! Rest easy my beautiful prince. ❤️💔

[@seralouise.]

i cracked my ass up when he finished that tear wrenching performance and then held up tje album like he was in a commercial lmao

[@YipJumpMusic]

This footage is amazing. Daniel seemed like such a sweet and entertaining person. It’s rare to find people like that. It’s unfortunate what he had to go through but atleast he seemed to have some great friends and a huge fan base of people that love him.

[@lancashirebomber9744]

this is life, and everythings all right.

[@chrisyeomans5547]

This is the best movie daniel johnston ever directed

[@moonfreedom8523]

Lotta creativity in a tortured life, but the interest is exploitation. I'm glad to hear Daniel's tunes in TV commercials and covered by Beck for example. Talented man like this needs protection, support and leads to share his music and art. Maybe that happened, but for the most part Daniel is a toy- turn him on and watch him go. I know all this from experience, and I can't wait to die. I think of suicide when I think of my accomplishments being taken as a prop in other people's lives. I'm on disability, major student loans they were taking out of my SSDI. On and on my life is shit now. We ain't in Kansas anymore, any of us. God bless you Daniel.

[@barrystockdoesnotexist]

These people in this film genuinely love and adore Daniel. I hope you understand that.

[@TheCharlesagain]

Wow! This is great. I was working at a record store near Jad's house around this time. Jad and Daniel came in to buy some blank tapes. A little later I moved to Towson, MD where Charles worked at an Art Store.

[@joeytrimble1558]

it's people like Daniel that drew me to the mental health field .. I like the dudes post on here he did it raw .. that's so true in these people everything is raw ..it's all as real as it gets .. there's no phony fakeness or a need for flattery .. it's 100% down to the bone raw

[@MasteringSilence]

Thank you for what you do.

[@thebearstreetballs]

Joey Trimble help me out bro

[@joeytrimble1558]

@@thebearstreetballs help you out how my dude?

[@joeytrimble1558]

@@MasteringSilence thanks mano its all about the individuals ...making the pieces fit one day at a time

[@thebearstreetballs]

Joey Trimble nothin man just playin haha but I do suffer of mental illness but I think I’ll be good!! Much love

[@carriethompson84]

This is so sweet, I'm just now learning to Daniel Johnson is and honestly if it weren't for Lana Del Rey making a short film then I wouldn't have a clue who he was. What a sweetheart this guy. Damn this makes me miss the 90s so much. No matter how hard they try to bring it back, you just can't bring something special and that back or the people in it. People were different then, everything was different then. We don't even have people like Daniel Johnston anymore to be honest

[@DeniseLaFranceCDNpainter]

God bless you, Danny. Thanks for your music, art & Friendship. You are loved. I'm painting another commemorative portrait of him cuz he was pure ART. Thanks for sharing this footage. He sure lived full blast & made an impact. Rare, Raw & Real. Denise LaFrance in Toronto.

[@Blooodhail]

I still feel so very sad about his passing. I really hope that he knew how loved he was when he passed. Saddest thing I’ve experienced this year..

[@adammoravek1785]

Watching this tonight leaves me feeling heavy hearted for the world’s loss; however, I do think he’s found peace... Roky too. Peace.

[@lilfuego6613]

Only the hurt will understand you. May you Rest In Peace gentle soul!!!!

[@philnoble2218]

Don't play cards with Satan is pretty epic! Heavy vibes!

[@SUSSEXCOASTER_FM]

I Did Acid With Caroline and we both had a real good time, We talked til' two in the morning, playing records and I showed her some drawings. I Did Acid With Caroline and we were one, we were one. We climbed up top of the building and looked out over the city, The night was cool the wind was blowing, there were dead crickets everywhere. I Did Acid With Caroline and we were one, we were one. I Did Acid With Caroline, we burnt candles all night long, She showed me strange books of black magic, my head was really spinning. I Did Acid With Caroline and we were one, we were one. I Did Acid With Caroline and we both had a real good time, We talked til' two in the morning, playing records and I showed her some drawings. I Did Acid With Caroline and we were one, we were one...

[@davide.b8027]

This shyt is gold. Gahd. Daym. Gold.

[@joshjuanfifarek7382]

Haa haa haa Daniel immediately took directors seat😂😂 I had a nervous breakdown hee hee hee. Daniel always would've laughed at his breakdown and scaring people. Be careful when your friends start wearing only all white and talk about Satan too much. Dont play cards with Satan. RIP Danny We love you!

[@Aenima308]

The sound of cicadas comfort me

[@chrish12345]

fascinating valuable document, thanks for posting - it reveals Dan's personality like no other footage

[@carriethompson84]

59:56 I love this, he gets so excited and it's just so cute and sweet! He's just so excited. I love to see that kind of stuff

[@shakashaka2833]

Don’t know why am sobbing uncontrollably and smiling while watching this. Artists, Poets, Empaths, all friends/family you have that are “unique disabled” peculiar quirky yet kind, gentle, innocent people in your life, surely you always cherish them. Am not religious yet it would make metaphysical sense that they are angels sent here. Through a narrow lens they can be seen as inept & obviously ignorant folks will have their own unclear perception of such individuals. Yet it’s clear as day that they are sent here to remind us of the simplicity, sacred, playful innocence and creativity of life. They are our angels and it’s our duty to learn from them support their art and service to this life experience

[@Juanfifarek]

I wish this version of Don’t Play Cards With Satan was the official release of the song. By far my favorite version Danny has done.

[@abanana2561]

Fuck man i watched this whole thing last night, and then the next morning i hear the news... Devastating. I love you danny, Thank you friend

[@shaetullmusic]

This footage is so very precious

[@CommunityGuidelines]

What a fantastic time capsule, thank you for sharing this video.

[@opnavesea]

I am a baby in my universe I'll live forever I am a baby in my universe I'll live forever Ooh, I'm only twenty-two I'll live forever Ooh, I'm only twenty-two I'll live forever, forever

[@brandonriddett1501]

I miss you already Daniel, this has really hit me hard,

[@harveyharris1087]

this needs an Oscar

[@cattathat]

R.I.P Daniel ❤ thank you for sharing your music and art

[@MrJesseSmall]

RIP Daniel, you will be missed

[@marksantory4405]

Don't play cards with Satan.... Holy shit. Amazing. Thank you so much for this. RIP.

[@incessantmurkysmuggler]

29:17 no one knew how to shred on an out of tune guitar quite like him

[@Danny__Noble]

I’m surprised no one ever tuned his guitar for him or something 😂❤️ I’d be like, “hold up a second, alright, all good to go”

[@unwavery]

@@Danny__Noble Have you ever read David Fair's essay about how to play guitar? These guys don't have time for that shiz lmao.

[@finlaymackay1984]

this is the most powerful and genuinely funny footage. miss you Daniel

[@ericaluna8546]

He is so genuine. It's a quality that's hard to find! I want to be there hanging out!

[@susanhutchinson6023]

There's my guitar slingers God love them RIP DDJ

[@raeart]

RIP Daniel Johnston, You were an inspiration.

[@justbreathe666]

i cried about 10 times watching this

[@suncity22001]

never was so much owed by so many music fans to so few. namely kramer.

[@barrystockdoesnotexist]

Underdog I’ll let him know.

[@suncity22001]

Barry Stock i met kramer twice. i thought the guy and shinmy disc would take over the world but no one got on board. i never understood it, i heard serious magic in his music and the shimmy disc artists but i think they all were just kidding and i was the only one to take it seriously... it was / is kinda sad.

[@barrystockdoesnotexist]

Underdog Nah, they took it seriously but the implausibility of any success was real.

[@suncity22001]

Barry Stock is kramer still working with james randi ? is he ok ? do you know what he is up to these days ?

[@barrystockdoesnotexist]

Underdog No, Randi is retired. Kramer does mastering at his studio in Hallandale and frequently travels to record bands.

[@brotherwill]

Finally! I have wanted to see this for so long. Thank you for sharing this. I got emotional watching it. What a brilliant artist.

[@gabrielcortes4031]

Happy birthday Daniel

[@Jtdubbzz]

This is so awesome. And now I want tacos...

[@MasteringSilence]

I can see why "Sweet Loaf" made him trip out.

[@andychrist5142]

2:14 "I was having a nervous breakdown when I recorded it... heheheh" Relatable

[@heathercrane5949]

R.I.P Daniel Johnson.

[@heathercrane5949]

I wish i could of met u. U will be missed

[@brandonmatuja6498]

This is great stuff! Some fan should take the labor of love upon himself/herself to edit this raw footage, according to Daniel's instructions that he gives! (Removing false starts, off-camera talk, etc.) To try to edit together and put out the film that Daniel wanted, you know? :-) I'd gladly do it, except I think that that kind of video-editing is beyond my skills to accomplish.

[@raimywinter2309]

Rest in power We love you and will miss you!

[@joshjuanfifarek7382]

Finally. Thought it was gone forever. Thanks for the post

[@k.q.594]

Seems to me like he was the least awkward person in the room

[@kevinsingh811]

guitar totally in tune

[@amandafeliciano542]

I decided I was gonna be the beatles....this man is so great!! XD

[@evansgate]

Awkward yet useful footage. Most people act differently know there's a camera pointed at them. With Daniel it's different.

[@rekocastren923]

This is great! Love that little story of throwing a way the bus ticket and following the wind, meeting a Deadhead getting lost LOL.

[@koyuki222]

Someone have to do an edit with all the jokes of Daniel

[@candicemorland2939]

Is anyone else amazed at the way Daniel reacted to Jad starting to cry25:33 I wish they had been my friends. I’m probably not nearly nice enough to be deserving to be theirs. But, I could tune that guitar for them.

[@Melissa0774]

Sometimes the way he sings kind of reminds me of Bob Dylan, the way he kind of speaks some of the words instead of always singing and the way he doesn't really care if all the words don't always totally fit within the melody all the time. I don't know if Bob Dylan did that as much, but I could imagine him doing that too.

[@theatx379]

Thanks for for this.

[@angelamitchinson8439]

Thank you for saving this footage, and sharing it. ❤🙏❤

[@josephkraemer8278]

RIP rest easy thank you PRAY FOR THIS MANS SOUL

[@peepnox7747]

Thanks for posting this :)

[@yugo1235]

Thank you

[@philnoble2218]

Fascinating ♥️

[@pandalilpig]

Thanks for this, Jad and Danny

[@bowmanbrent419]

I watched the movie "Kids" again after More then two decades and they feature the Casper song. I KZbind it and found the artists name. Now I'm on a DJ rabbit hole. I wonder what happened to my cassettes that I used to record myself on. I used to pretend I had my own radioshow. It was like Letterman but on the radio. I would have guests on like Jason from Friday the 13th and Freddy Krueger. They would always end up killing me. I had my own commercials too 😂. My buddy helped me out. We did a Tampax commercial but it was set up like it was a Trojan condom commercial. And I would pretend like I was a guy trying to get it on with his girl and she would say "but I'm on my period." Then my buddy would come in and say " Period Man!" Just like they do on the Trojan commercials when they say "Trojan Man!" The thing is we never scripted any of it we just kind of freestyled it and when he said. Man I just cracked up laughing I couldn't breathe I still laugh today about it. Me and him will be turning 40 years old this year and we had to have been about 9 or 10 when we made those commercials and I was making my talk show. Man The nostalgia if I could find those tapes. I also was listening to a lot of Adam Sandler albums so some of it was in there too

[@misterpopeofficial.]

You are with God now, Daniel.

[@ozzystar3545]

@@colossians1_27wdym

[@fabiannacht1784]

I actually have all the Tinklers albums in my collection!

[@dovic86]

I want to star in a Daniel Johnston movie so that I can act out all the crazy shit I've ever come up with

[@5oncloverst86]

Daniel Johnston, You are an inspiration !!!! R.I.P 💫

[@Justin-hb9wc]

Never seen this before. Cool!

[@InfamousMedia]

This looks like a more fun way to spend an evening than half of the bullshit entertainment offered in most of our towns

[@alin81-82]

What a treasure he & this movie was. RIP.

[@alexrubin1941]

Oh man this is brilliant

[@nationofnoone846]

Thanks for uploading this, I was curious about it ever since I saw the documentary.

[@nervousnorvus1944]

"There were having a wrestling match on the sofa." why the hell didn't they laugh at that?

[@triplesevensix291]

R.I.P. Kiddo.Godspeed.

[@charlyvanguardia]

Como me gustaría ver este documental con subtítulos en español. Mi comprensión del inglés es medio limitada y me pierdo algunas cosas... gran archivo. Saludos! Daniel not dead!

[@barrystockdoesnotexist]

Sorry, we cannot provide a subtitle in Spanish. Apologies.

[@superfuzzymomma]

Rest Easy, Daniel

[@YNFA1]

my inspiration❤️

[@creativebro4915]

34:25 my favorite part

[@andrewdyke5561]

Goosbumps one of my favorite moments of him😢

[@pyleen]

RIP Daniel 😥