Gothamist went to the premiere of Dig! The Movie @ Sunshine Theater on Monday. Admittedly knowing little about both bands involved in this documentary, we went in as a blank slate...ready to learn about seven years in the lives of the Dandy Warhols and Brian Jonestown Massacre.
The filmmaker, Ondi Timoner spent years with these bands and had to leave countless hours on the cutting room floor. What she kept turns out to be a fast paced version of the fairly fast paced lifestyles of these two bands. It allows us an inside look into the complex mind of musical genius (gone somewhat unappreciated) Anton Newcombe of BJM and his glossier counterpart Courtney Taylor of the Dandy Warhols. The two seemingly start on one plain of existence only to turn down seperate paths that leave a wake of on again/off again rivalry. The Dandy's sign record deals and film $500,000 videos directed by David LaChappelle while BJM record albums for $17 in makeshift studios. Albums that are, in Gothamist's opinion, at times less catchy than the Dandy's but always more creatively progressive.
Often more focused on than the music being created is the dynamic each band has with its self and with the "other band". One thing that remains fairly steady is that no matter how much the bands stray from each other they seem to always respect each other, the friendship between the two is a complex one that morphs throughout the film and is undoubtedly still changing now.
As a sidenote: Joel Gion totally steals the show. Completely submerged in his own thing he ends up playing the role of entertainer, tambourine man, pacifist, mediator and all around "class clown". Gothamist loves him and told him so at the after party.
You can read about Anton's views on this film here. Gothamist is also in the process of interviewing Anton and we will post that here soon.
Please go see this film, even if you don't know a thing about the two bands involved we guarantee you'll enjoy it!
Nationwide schedule available here. If you are in NYC go see the film this weekend @ Sunshine!
Need more convincing? Watch the trailer.
Want to get some insight into the bands before seeing the film?
BJM gives their music away, you can download every song recorded on their website
Watch the Dandy Warhols Bohemian Like You video.
So what about you, are you a BJM fan or a Dandy Warhols fan? Or if you'd rather...Blur or Oasis?
