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The online film magazine Combustible Celluloid offers new movie reviews, DVD reviews, film reviews, actor interviews, actress interviews, director interviews, film books and all things cinema related for the thoughtful and passionate. Online for ten years! Over 3000 reviews!

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DIG! (2004)

Rating: 3 1/2 Stars (out of 4)

Bandie Feud

By Jeffrey M. Anderson

Buy DIG! on DVD.

Like Metallica: Some Kind of Monster, which was released around the same time, Ondi Timoner's documentary DIG! successfully explores the psychological center of a rock band. Only this time, we get two rock bands for the price of one. Given unprecedented access to both the Dandy Warhols and the Brian Jonestown Massacre for seven years, the filmmaker traces the rising friendship and respect between the two bands, followed by an ever-escalating feud when the Dandys sign a record deal. According to the Brian Jonestown Massacre's egomaniacal, troublesome lead singer Anton Newcombe, the Dandys represent the sellout establishment while he, Anton, is a genius that will be revered for generations to come (quite possibly a new Nick Drake or Velvet Underground). Thankfully, this remarkable film has enough insight and vision to resist buying into such simplistic observations. It spends equal time with both bands, capturing their successes and failures and making each story fresh and human. Astonishingly, the Dandys continue to praise Anton's genius even after his abominable behavior toward them. DIG! is also brave enough to show the real, ugly warts of the music business, whereas more established bands would probably prefer a polished, PR-approved vision.

DVD Details: Palm Pictures has released DIG! in a great 2-disc set that includes three commentary tracks: one by the Dandys, one by the various Brian Jonestown Massacre members (minus Anton), and one by the filmmakers. There are also enough deleted scenes to assemble into a second film, plus music videos and live performances from each band, and much more.

Starring: Anton Newcombe, Courtney Taylor, Joel Gion, Matt Hollywood, Peter Holmstrom, Zia McCabe, Brent DeBoer, Eric Hedford, Dean Taylor, Kristen Kerr
Written by: Ondi Timoner
Directed by: Ondi Timoner
MPAA Rating: R for language and drug use
Running Time: 107 minutes
Date: June 7, 2005