Dig! (2004)

A documentary on the once-promising American rock bands The Brian Jonestown Massacre and The Dandy Warhols, and the friendship/rivalry between their respective founders, Anton Newcombe and Courtney Taylor.

Director:

Ondi Timoner

Writer:

Ondi Timoner

Stars:

Anton Newcombe, Courtney Taylor-Taylor, Joel Gion

2 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Credited cast:
Anton Newcombe	...	Himself
Courtney Taylor-Taylor	...	Himself
Joel Gion	...	Himself
Matt Hollywood	...	Himself
Peter Holmstrom	...	Himself
Zia McCabe	...	Herself
Brent DeBoer
Eric Hedford	...	Himself
Dean Taylor	...	Himself
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
The Dandy Warhols	...	Themselves
Jeff Davies	...	Himself
Frankie Emerson	...	Himself
Erik Gavriluk	...	Himself
Nic Harcourt	...	Himself
Kristen Kerr	...	Herself

Storyline

Tracks the tumultuous rise of two talented musicians, Anton Newcombe, leader of the Brian Jonestown Massacre; and Courtney Taylor, leader of the Dandy Warhols; dissecting their star-crossed friendship and bitter rivalry. Both are hell-bent on staging a self-proclaimed revolution of the music industry. Through their loves and obsessions, gigs and recordings, arrests and death threats, uppers and downers--and ultimately to their chance at a piece of the profit-driven music business--how each handles his stab at success is where the relationship frays and burns.

---

Plot Keywords:

music industry | rock band

---

Genres:

Documentary | Music

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and drug use

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 April 2005 (France)

Also Known As:

DiG!

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$20,437 (USA) (1 October 2004)

Gross:

$127,067 (USA) (17 December 2004)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Interloper Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Miranda Lee Richards: It's such an interesting case study, like what in the end will yield people success? Eventually it's just kind of like, 'shit man, what if it doesn't happen?'

---

Soundtracks

"Feel It"
Written by Anton Newcombe (as A. Newcombe)
Performed by The Brian Jonestown Massacre

User Reviews

Worth it regardless if you're a fan of the bands

I couldn't find anyone to watch DiG! with me because no one I knew was a fan of either of the bands. Naturally everyone assumed you can only enjoy this film if you like the music of either The Dandy Warhols or the Brian Jonestown Massacre, but this is so far from the truth. The only requirement is that you have an interest in music and/or pop culture in general. The way in which the careers of the two groups are paralleled is a perfect representation of the paths a band can take, and watching the public eat up and spit out the Dandy Warhols is fascinating. I agree with other reviews that mention it would be nice to get a final word from Anton himself, since he's clearly depicted as his own worst enemy and the bulwark to the band's ability to just remain.

Most interesting to me is the Dandys' respect for the BJM (despite their lack or reciprocation) and for Anton (despite his erratic behavior). The Dandy Warhols respect the art the group produces even if the group hates everything the Dandy Warhols now stand for (although that's disputable). The best line is when the drummer for the Dandy's says "I won't have them anywhere new me again" and the guitarist unconsciously blurts out "I'll still buy their records though." To me, this just shows how powerful good music can be.

Definitely see this movie, even if you know nothing of either band. It's more about the themes of rock music and how they develop that makes this film so interesting. It's rare to follow a group so closely for so long.