Ondi Timoner’s electrifying documentary tells a cautionary tale about the dangers and trappings of the rock & roll lifestyle. Shot over a seven-year span beginning in the mid-1990s, DIG! follows two bands, the Brian Jonestown Massacre and the Dandy Warhols, as they befriend each other, have a falling out, and find their careers heading in severely opposite directions. Mastermind behind the ‘60s-influenced Brian Jonestown Massacre, the talented and prolific, yet deeply damaged, Anton Newcombe appeared to be headed for superstardom. In 1995, he formed a close bond with Courtney Taylor, leader of power-pop band the Dandy Warhols, and the two began to conceive of a musical revolution. Unfortunately, Newcombe’s mental fragility and egotistical behavior continually sabotaged his chances of ever scoring a record deal with a major label. Meanwhile, Taylor and his bandmates signed with Capitol Records, and, after initially lackluster album sales, the Dandy Warhols began to explode overseas. Challenged by their success, Newcombe retreated further into his shell and the relationship dissolved, bringing a painful end to a once-hopeful era. Winner of the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival, DIG! is mandatory viewing for anyone who is interested in the music industry. Timoner’s fascinating film addresses several poignant issues, such as the dangerously thin line between success and anonymity, as well as stability versus insanity.
