Danielson: A Family Movie

He sings like a strangled mouse, but musician Daniel Smith has the kind of independent career that is sustained by a small but loyal fan base, which is good, because even if it's hard to get a fix on him as an artist in Danielson: A Family Movie, viewers will certainly come away with a strong impression of Smith's tireless work ethic and faith in his creative process. Director J.L. Aronson's interesting but frustrating documentary traces South Jersey native Smith's ascent from Bible camp to international cult status, underscoring the degree to which Smith has made music a family affair, enlisting siblings, in-laws, and friends in a traveling, costumed act called the “Danielson Famile.” What Danielson fails to accomplish, however, is to present Smith's music in such a way that we understand more of what people are talking about when we see them exiting a performance excited, or mystified, or something in between. The Danielson Famile is a sizable ensemble, with a sound that is oddly minimalist yet ecstatic (Smith's squeezed vocals may not be everyone's cup of tea, but one can still hear a kind of rock and roll Christian mysticism, befitting the family's strong, driving religious faith). Poignantly, Smith hangs on, certain that his destiny is out of his hands, even as bandmates leave and a key player in the group—singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens—becomes a huge star on his own, bigger than Smith will ever be. A strong optional purchase. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary by director JL Aronson and minister Vito Aiuto, four additional “In the Flesh” live performances (18 min.), “Talking to Strangers” interviews with fans (16 min.), 13 minutes of deleted scenes from the European tour, an 11-minute “A Primer for the Curious” extended preview, 10 minutes of “The (Church) Basement Tapes/More Woodbury, NJ,” a nine-minute “More Fun with Lenny and Marian” interview with Sufjan Stevens and his parents (9 min.), an interview of Daniel Smith by author Rick Moody (9 min.), eight minutes of “All Tomorrows Parties” deleted scenes, “The Highest Point in Gloucester County” featurette (7 min.), the Danielson Famile on the show Chic-A-Go-Go (6 min.), three music videos, discographies, a photo gallery, and trailers. Bottom line: a fine extras package for an uneven documentary.] (T. Keogh)