Dig!

2004 rockumentary

Rating: 16/20

Plot: This follows the careers of two West Coast rock bands with punny names--the Dandy Warhols and The Brian Jonestown Massacre. The former finds some success, especially in Europe, but struggles a bit as they deal with major label pressures. BJM, led by the charismatic and likely psychotic Anton Newcombe, hovers around the edges of success and major label interest; however, the explosively unpredictable behavior of their frontman always gets in the way. A sort-of rivalry develops. At least in the head of Newcombe.

In case you keep track of this sort of thing, this makes two movies in a row with exclamation marks in the titles. This really must have been a labor of love for the director as it seems to be synthesized from what must have been around a zillion hours of home footage, concert footage, and interviews. It winds up being one of those almost accidental bits of documentary greatness, sort of like a Hoop Dreams, where a story gradually develops and then unfolds in ways that could never have been written. There's humor, horror, and drama as Newcombe falls to pieces and sabotages his chances at rock 'n' roll stardom again and again. Kicking his bandmates in the middle of songs for misplaying things, arguing or engaging in fisticuffs with audience members, roller skating while wearing a fuzzy hat. My favorite bit involves the Brian Jonestown Massacre's annoying tambourine player (pictured above) who makes the claim that he can leave the band and find success with another group. He does nothing but play a freakin' tambourine! Lots to love here if you're entertained by watching human beings falling to pieces.