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Tartan Video
Posted: March 28th, 2008.
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 DandyWarhols, 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 Newcombeappeared to be headed for superstardom. In 1995 he formed a close bond with Courtney Taylor, leader of power-pop band theDandy Warhols, and the two began to conceive of a musical revolution. Unfortunately, Newcombe’s mental fragility andegotistical behaviour 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 lacklustre album sales, the DandyWarhols began to explode overseas. Challenged by their success, Newcombe retreated further into his shell and therelationship dissolved, bringing a painful end to a once-hopeful era. Winner of the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentaryat 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.
The DVD is out now and retails for £19.99, but is currently on Amazon at the link above for £9.98.
News page content input by Dominic Robinson, 2008.
Reviewer of movies, videogames and music since 1994. Aortic valve operation survivor from the same year. Running DVDfever.co.uk since 2000. Nobel Peace Prize winner 2021.