Dig!
Where to Watch Dig!
Dig! is a captivating 2004 rockumentary offering a fascinating deep dive into the lives and dynamic relationship between two frontmen of indie rock bands, Anton Newcombe of The Brian Jonestown Massacre and Courtney Taylor-Taylor of The Dandy Warhols. This gritty, seven-year-long documentary captures the turbulent ride that indie rockers often face in the world of music, presenting the electrifying highs and soul-crushing lows that the pursuit of stardom can bring.
Executive-produced by renowned filmmaker David Cross and directed by Ondi Timoner, Dig! opens a window into the mutilayered essence of 90's indie rock scene, providing a candid, unfiltered snapshot of an era filled with tenacious ambition, artistic struggles, volatile interaction and fascinating unpredictability.
At the heart of the documentary lies the intense relationship between Anton Newcombe and Courtney Taylor-Taylor, who, at the start, are portrayed as close friends with a common passion - to make music and get it recognized. As the documentary unfolds, it shows how their paths diverge and alliances fray, drawing the viewer into an intriguing blend of camaraderie and competition, collaboration and conflict.
Anton Newcombe serves as the intriguing, often troubled mastermind behind The Brian Jonestown Massacre. His outlandish behavior, explosive creativity, and innate talent make him a compelling figure to watch. Despite dealing with his own personal demons, Newcombe's passion for music and relentless pursuit of authenticity leaves an indelible impression of a potentially self-destructive genius.
In contrast, Courtney Taylor-Taylor is portrayed as more grounded and focused. As the frontman of The Dandy Warhols, he navigates the tumultuous music industry with great finesse, dealing with label pressures, fame, and the inevitable ups and downs that come with it. His journey represents a stark counterpoint to that of Newcombe's, adding a fascinating dynamic to the narrative.
A notable presence throughout the documentary is Joel Gion, a tambourine player for The Brian Jonestown Massacre. His laid-back attitude, punctuated with dry humor, offers some much needed light-hearted moments amidst the rollercoaster of emotions depicted in Dig!.
Shot in a cinéma vérité style, Director Ondi Timoner allows the drama to unfold naturally, providing an intimate, fly-on-the-wall perspective that makes Dig! a compelling watch. Her approach paints a raw, unflinching picture of the music industry's inner workings, artistic clashes, and the personal toll it often takes on musicians.
Dig! paints a vivid portrait of the intense, often chaotic trials and tribulations faced by independent musicians. The documentary's gritty realism and uncompromising vision sets it apart, allowing it to probe far beyond the gloss and glamour of rock stardom to reveal the human elements of passion, friendship, rivalry, and perseverance.
In addition to the human drama, Dig! offers a wealth of performance footage of both bands, capturing the raw energy and creativity of their music. Whether you're a fan of The Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Dandy Warhols, or indie rock in general, this documentary is an audio-visual treat that truly encapsulates the spirit of the 90’s indie rock scene.
Through its exploration of the highly charged relationship between Newcombe and Taylor-Taylor, their personal journeys, and their diverse approaches to their craft, Dig! paints a picture of the music industry that is both captivating and thought-provoking. In doing so, it goes beyond being a simple biographical narrative to become a testament to the power, perils, and paradoxes of artistic creation and the pursuit of success in an overwhelmingly challenging industry.
A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the indie music scene, Dig! serves as much more than a clash-of-the-titans rock story. It underlines the struggle and ecstasy of creativity, friendship, and the brutal business of making music, making it a must-watch for music lovers and cinema enthusiasts alike.
While Dig! is intriguingly unpredictable and volatile, it is also a deeply human story, touched with humor, drama, and a fierce sense of unpredictability. Even for those who are not familiar with The Brian Jonestown Massacre or The Dandy Warhols, this documentary promises a truly immersive viewing experience that leaves a striking and enduring impression about the intrinsic relationship between success, sacrifice, and sensibility in the world of indie rock music.
Dig! is a Documentary, Music movie released in 2004. It has a runtime of 1:47:11 Critics and viewers have rated it moderate reviews, with an IMDb score of 7.7. It also holds a MetaScore of 76.
How to Watch Dig!
Where can I stream Dig! movie online? Dig! is available to watch and stream, buy on demand, download at Plex, Kanopy, Google Play. Some platforms allow you to rent Dig! for a limited time or purchase the movie for downloading.