Dig! (2004)

Dig! (2004) is a compelling feature-length documentary that chronicles the tumultuous journey of two iconic musicians, Anton Newcombe of the Brian Jonestown Massacre and Courtney Taylor of the Dandy Warhols, over a span of seven years. These star-crossed friends and fierce rivals initially bonded over their shared desire to defy the conventions of the music industry. However, their divergent approaches to creativity and originality in a profit-driven world eventually led to a bitter rivalry. The film, narrated by Courtney Taylor, delves into the life of Anton Newcombe, revealing him as a pivotal yet often overlooked artist of our time. In 1996, Anton Newcombe and his band, the Brian Jonestown Massacre, who independently released 11 albums in a decade, aimed to revolutionize the music industry. They believed their friends, the Dandy Warhols, would join them in this endeavor. However, Anton's creative genius and mental struggles led him to the farthest reaches of the human mind, ultimately sabotaging his chances for financial success. Meanwhile, the Dandy Warhols, led by Courtney Taylor, navigated the corporate landscape, striving to maintain their creative integrity while enjoying commercial success, starring in high-budget music videos, and performing for massive audiences. The documentary explores themes of love, obsession, live performances, recordings, legal troubles, and substance abuse, as it follows the choices these musicians made between art and industry over time.