Customer Reviews

Danielson - A Family Movie

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Art and commerce, faith and culture. Danielson has seen the rift between both and the documentary bearing their name gives an intimate and honest look at how Daniel and his band of family and friends handle these difficulties. All is not conflicting, though, as Daniel has a loyal fanbase and he makes beautiful music throughout. Highly recommended to any fan of music documentaries and beautiful stories.

When I first heard about the Danielson Family I figured it was a joke. When I saw them I wasn't sure. A family that sings about god in rock clubs- with strong songs... This artfully developed and tastefully constructed film puts it all in perspective - and in the process give the viewer room to reflect on their own lives - and their relationship to their art/religion/work.

Why do we watch documentaries? Because we want to know more about other people or more about ourselves. Successful docs help us to understand both. As we see Daniel struggle to create work, and stay in touch with his vision, as he faces the realities of family and financial pressures- over the course of many years of filming- we are able to gain insight into our own struggles- it helped me to get a sense of context about my own life and work.

In addition- the songs are great- the animation sequences are stunning- and it all flows like milk into the mouths of babes.

rock on.

Danielson and all things Danielson display creativity couched in belief and love for fellow man at its zenith. Listen to their music, understand that their message is unvarnished hope for all of us, regardless of who/how/what you believe.

I first came to know of the Danielson Familie through Tooth & Nail DVD of music videos. At first I was shocked and then mesmerized by their sound. I didn't think much of it at the time. Years later and a short time ago I bought Daneilson's newest album based on a review in Enteritainment Magazine. Again I was shocked and then mesmerized. The music grows on you and now I love it.

I love it now that I can share the story of his "vision" or the vision that God gave him and the familie who joined in for the ride. A great documentary that I am now showing all my friends. Check it out!!!!

DANIELSON: A FAMILY MOVIE is a completely independently produced feature-length documentary about indie-rock musician, Daniel Smith, the former lead singer for "The Danielson Familie" who now works and tours as Brother Danielson. The movie explains how Smith first recruited his siblings to form the band as part of a college art project. It follows the ups and downs of Danielson through the various transitions of the group as family members and close friends come and go. The film also features the rise of Sufjan Stevens, a friend of the Smith family, who toured with the Danielson Familie but has achieved international popularity, critical acclaim, and success as a solo artist. The film contrasts Stevens rise while Smith struggles. The film poses a lot of questions about being a Christian Artist and being relevant in the world. For instance, does a Christian have to gain fame in order to make an impact upon people and in the world or is it enough just to be a musician, an Artist, playing for whoever who will listen? Parts of the story are told through a series of letters by each of the Smith's siblings who were involved with Danielson Familie. Also interlaced are pieces of animation by Chris Palladino, family home videos, and interviews with concert-goers at various Danielson performances.

I completely enjoyed DANIELSON: A FAMILY MOVIE. The music isn't for everyone, but I found the story fascinating. Highly recommended for fans of Danielson, anyone who enjoys good documentaries, and anyone who is interested in the challenges of being a Christian Artist.

As for the extra features, I really enjoyed watching the extended interviews and conversations with concert-goers. They come from all kinds of backgrounds and it was fascinating to listen to what drew each of them to the music of Danielson.

It's a great DVD to view if one wants to better understand the Danilason Family. It was helpful for me to see the family history and how others respond to such a creative and odd personality. Being an artist and musician myself, I was able to relate to much of the material and intent. If you are a fan, buy this and get to know them even better.

Michael

If I could give a split rating I would give the first hour of this film 4 stars, and the last 45 minutes two stars.

The first hour of this documentary is pretty solid, and the subject matter is very interesting. Whether you like the unusual music made by these artists or not, the film is fascinating for a good majority of it's runtime.

The edit begins in a fairly tight documentary style with numerous interviews, various footage sources, stills, and many of the voices of the key players telling the story in prepared voice over. A great job is done of helping the audience relate to this strange music, which does become more and more listenable as the film progresses.

Then something strange happens just short of the one hour mark. The footage becomes suddenly and drastically slower and less edited, the sources become less varied and the voice overs and interviews dwindle into the background, leaving the remaining 45 minutes a bit more ponderous than the subject merits.

Perhaps the budget ran short 2/3 of the way through the edit. This has happened to me and many other filmmakers, and it's very painful to deal with. A great film has been mostly finished, but the remaining chunk of less finished documentary stands mired in a soup of boring, empty minutes of near nothingness. A moving, life affirming pean to creativity and diversity in art becomes maddeningly slow and lifeless, unlike the vibrant creativity of the music featured.

My guess is that given the needed budget these filmmakers could have made a great film out of this, if you watch the first hour and then stop, you will be carried along by their fine work. The remaining 45 minutes seems only entertaining to die hard fans, despite the music getting more and more accessible through the course of the later half. The filmmakers did a great job of snaring the audiences interest, so you may like me find yourself compelled to watch the whole thing, but then you may, like me, find your fondness for the film dimming to a blinding rage as something that started off interesting becomes ultimately boring.

I hope they get the money to take another whack at the edit. If it were one half hour to 45 minutes shorter, I'd give it 4 stars.
And clearly the music merits taking the time to overcome the initial weirdness. Every person has music inside them, some of us just sound very different, but the art that expresses oneself is truly great, even if it's very different from what came before.

I bought this for the footage of Sufjan Stevens and was not disappointed. It is a very good documentary about a very unusual "christian" band.

I've enjoyed the music of Daniel Smith and the Danielson Famile since around 1999. Upon first listen, I simply thought the music was quirky. (The Danielson Famile are widely considered an acquired taste.) But after repeated listens, I enjoyed it more and more, which led me to buy all of their albums. The spiritual themes are a large reason I'm drawn to these folks and their music, but the music is also catchy and often fun.

Needless to say, I was excited when this DVD came out. My family and I have watched it at least 4 times. It is packed with live performances (including Daniel's thesis show), interviews, and lots of extras, including their music videos. It's thoroughly enjoyable!

When I first started watching this movie I wondered what I had got myself into but as it progressed I was caught up in the pursuit. Brother Danielson took me on a journey that was both sincere and challenging. He believes in what he is doing and does not let obstacles stand in his way, certainly not mainstream. Preach on Brother Danielson.......