DIG! (2004)
DIG! is a captivating 2004 American documentary film that delves into the collision of art and commerce through the lens of two rock bands: The Dandy Warhols and The Brian Jonestown Massacre. The film, directed by Ondi Timoner, chronicles their tumultuous journeys as they navigate the highs and lows of the music industry.
At the heart of the documentary lies the love-hate relationship between the bands’ respective frontmen: Courtney Taylor-Taylor of The Dandy Warhols and Anton Newcombe of The Brian Jonestown Massacre. These once-promising American rock bands share a history of friendship, but their differing lifestyles and ambitions have driven them apart, transforming them into rivals.
Barcelona, the cultural capital of Spain, is a vibrant metropolis where Antoni Gaudí’s whimsical architecture graces the urban sprawl. The city pulses with creativity, from the iconic Sagrada Familia to the Picasso Museum. Amidst this artistic backdrop, the bands’ careers unfold, each hell-bent on staging a self-proclaimed revolution in the music industry.
Meanwhile, Santiago de Compostela, the final stop on the ancient pilgrimage route of Camino de Santiago, draws history buffs and culture enthusiasts. Its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town houses the awe-inspiring Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, said to hold the remains of Saint James the Apostle. The city’s beautiful parks, museums, restaurants, and nightlife add to its allure.
And then there’s Segovia, a romantic Spanish city northwest of Madrid. Here, the enchanting Plaza Mayor invites leisurely strolls, while the Aqueduct of Segovia, one of the world’s best-preserved Roman aqueducts, stands as a testament to ancient engineering. High above the city, the Alcázar De Segovia, a fairy-tale fortress dating back to the 12th century, captivates visitors.
In this riveting documentary, we witness the rise and fall of these talented musicians—Anton Newcombe and Courtney Taylor—through their loves, obsessions, gigs, recordings, arrests, and death threats. As they chase success in the profit-driven music business, their relationship frays and burns, leaving us with a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the rock ‘n’ roll world.
Dig! won the Grand Jury Prize in the Documentary Competition at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival, cementing its place as a must-watch for music enthusiasts and anyone intrigued by the clash of creativity and commerce.
