Dig!

Anton is simultaneously a genuine genius and an ABSOLUTE world-class (s)mug. I love it, so entertaining to watch the BJM crumble endlessly. The Dandys are less amusing but this is a great film none-the-less. Probably helps if you have some interest in the music

Watching these people get into petty squabbles and stroke their competing egos was repellent, but I couldn't turn away. There's some fascinating dynamics on display here, mostly revolving around Anton: the delusional, childlike, narcissistic frontman of BJM. The film is narrated by Courtney Taylor, so it definitely puts TDW in a more positive light than they deserve. It's tempered somewhat by their repeated assertions that BJM's music is genius (hint: it's not) but still seems a bit one-sided.

Technically, it's a horrible documentary. Before Dig!, I was under the impression that BJM were boring and the Dandy Warhols were shitty. I'm under the same impression, although Timoner clearly thinks that ANTON is a genius of some sort and the Warhols are pretty great besides coming off as complete assholes. So is this filmmaking or is this a fanboy following around his favorite bands with a camera? Why ask a rhetorical, the answer is clearly the latter. But it's funny.

Interesting look at a bunch of despicable and overrated musicians.

This film taught me that if I wanted to be a middling, not really good, one-hit wonder typeish kind of band, I should do more coke.

More than just a documentary that shows and comments on life as a musician, whether it be genious, weirdo or none of the two. Honest, though subjective. I love the way it shows so many aspects of the industry, especially the way Europe can mean a surprisingly great deal to American musicians, much to their own surprise. And the characters are unique, so no shit it makes a good film.

Two bands: One a bunch of hangers-on who deal with perennial violent tantrums from a narcissistic, drug-addled, self-destructive frontman (who just happens to be a great songwriter); the other a bunch of preening, rationalizing dandies (appropriately enough) whose masochistic adoration of said frontman is only rivaled by their fear that he's going to murder them with a shotgun. Really, a fail-safe formula for music doc success.

If I'd never heard of either band, I'd be convinced this was a well-made mockumentary. In fact, I'm still not convinced it isn't. But the sheer amount of assholery tolerated by everyone because the 'stars' are members of 2 minor middle-of-the-road pop-rock bands with a little talent is unbelievable. The result is a documentary that seems to focus on how these raging egotistical manchildren should be worshipped because of some 'genius' element that never comes across in the film.

I'm not sure if the film ultimately achieves its aims other than showing Anton Newcombe as a irritating junkie and the Dandy Warhols as, well, just another band, but it's pretty amusing in the first two-thirds. The final third just gets so muddled, I'm not sure what the point was anymore. But the music was good, and the onstage fights were hilarious.

Painful chart of the clash between the Warhols and BJM is less "fan service" than for those with a perverse interest in seeing a toxic personality run itself into the ground – Newcombe gives an almost SPINAL TAP masterclass in pitifully outsized ego, with the film-makers mercilessly letting him play to a level of self-parody, stopping just short of cutting to “can you believe this guy?” glances. Verges on frustratingly unpleasant at times - ultimately redeemed by the strength of its convictions.

What's so good about this documentary is that nobody could write a character like Anton Newcombe. He's one of God's "special" creatures; too weird to live, too rare to die. He's both an asshole and an inspiration. It's good that the film focuses on him moreso than the Dandy Warhols, who are quite boring themselves.

A fantastic rock documentary that explores the ups and downs of staying true vs. what some might describe as "selling out".

To chase dollars or not to. The idea connected to selling-out is very circa 90's and should have been forgotten when it was blown out the back of Cobain's head. If this doco was made today, both artists would have signed asap. Maybe the musician/purist in Anton is arguably stuck in the wrong genre, but the drug use posturing says otherwise. I enjoy the tambourinist's role in BJM as purely that. I also enjoy the line "You broke my fucking sitar motherfucker" & the whimpering delivery attached.

It's hard to love something so hateable, but it's also hard to stop watching. And, of course, the music's so good

https://esperwatchesfilms.tumblr.com/post/645325800531460098/dig-2004

Hey Courtney Taylor, you're a knob! Great documentary.

Fascinating portrait of the artist as a self-destructive control freak. Anton may or may not be a genius, but the Dandy Warhols are definitely a bunch of wankers.

Sure almost everyone is annoying, they really do overhype Anton's music (which I still think is good), but going along for the ride is a hell of a time.

I actually thought it was really well done, Anton is the man (or not)

Brian Jonestown Massacre is a great band that never got the recognition they deserve. The creative force behind music - Anton Newcombe is something of a character. Tortured genius, perhaps egocentric psychopath, or simply bipolar, one thing for sure, he attracts attention. I never understood how these self-destructive artists live for so long (if they live past 27). Dig! is Interesting rock documentary, especially if you are into BJM music.

It's basically a better version of Overnight except Anton actually is really talented (maybe not as much as they gush over him in the film, but BJM has at least 3 great cds). Pretty entertaining if you like watching someone throw their life away. The editing was kind of sporatic at times and can be distracting, almost like a bad music video. I can't believe Thank God For Mental Illness only cost $17 to make, that has to be the best album greatness:cost ratio ever.

The turn of the century is fuckin' weird

Insight into a genius is always a great thing to witness. Especially when that genius (Anton Newcombe) is as troubled as he is talented. A candid look at the love/hate relationship between The Dandy Warhols and the brilliant Brian Jonestown Massacre. One of the best music documentaries ever filmed - DiG! is a vibrant and vivid "warts and all" look at the harrowing undertaking that is rock and roll.

I'm not sure whether to laugh or cry during the bulk of this. Really good as far as band documentaries go.

Thank goodness for Courtney Taylor and Anton Newcombe's complete lack of self-awareness. As a result, we're treated to many, many great scenes (BJM brawling with each other at a record label showcase, Newcombe completely no-selling "Not if You Were the Last Junkie on Earth" as Taylor nervously awaits Anton's reaction...only, he DOESN'T). Besides the humor, there are some real solid themes in here. Unfortunately, I don't have the space to write about them. :( Boo criticker!!