Is Robert Johnson and the Devil Man Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2017, Robert Johnson and the Devil Man represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Modern Cinema category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into It's said that Robert Johnson, one of the most influential, pioneering musicians in history, met the Devil at a crossroads at midnight and sold his soul to be the greatest there's ever been. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Modern Cinema are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "It's said that Robert Johnson, one of the most influential, pioneering musicians in history, met the Devil at a crossroads at midnight and sold his soul to be the greatest there's ever been. A century later a hapless millennial of the same name attempts to follow in the footsteps of his namesake and not only does he find the myth to be real, but the parameters of becoming the best not as straightforward as he might have hoped. Written by and starring Joz Norris and directed by Matthew Highton (two award winning comedians and founding members of the critically lauded, alternative comedy groups, Weirdos Comedy Club and Comedians Cinema Club), this is a sweet, absurd take on one of the most famous legends in music history. Also starring David Mills (Florence Foster Jenkins) in the role he was born to play, the Devil."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of David Mills provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Matthew Highton is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 10 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Robert Johnson and the Devil Man truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Modern Cinema, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Robert Johnson and the Devil Man explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2017 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Matthew Highton respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Robert Johnson and the Devil Man is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of David Mills or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Robert Johnson and the Devil Man is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.