It chronicles Johnston's life from childhood up to the present, with an emphasis on his experiences with bipolar disorder, and how it manifested itself in demonic self-obsession.

[2] On Rotten Tomatoes the film has an approval rating of 89% based on 110 reviews.

The website's critics consensus reads, "Whether you think this mentally ill cult musician is worthy of being called a "genius," this document of his life is crafted with sincere respect and is fascinating to watch.

It is available on DVD from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, which includes a supplemental feature documenting the reunion between Johnston and his long-time obsession and muse, Laurie Allen.

A manufacture on demand Blu-ray was released through Sony's Choice Collection on October 19, 2016.