Bandsplain MOVIE NIGHT: 'Dig!' with Joe Coscarelli
Nov 20, 2025
Joe Coscarelli, a New York Times culture reporter and co-host of Popcast, dives into the cult documentary Dig! Recognized for its raw footage and the rivalry between The Brian Jonestown Massacre and The Dandy Warhols, he explores the intricacies behind their intertwined legacies. Joe reflects on how the film shaped his career, comparing its narrative to classic storytelling. Discussions on authenticity in documentaries and why musicians often disown their candid portrayals are also highlighted, plus insights into the newly released Dig! XX.
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Anton Publicly Condemns The Film
- Anton wrote a scathing open letter after seeing Dig, claiming it misrepresented events like a drug arrest.
- He felt years of work were reduced to punch-ups and taken out of context.
Documentaries Need The Filmmaker's Presence
- Good music documentaries often require the filmmaker to be a participant, not a neutral reporter.
- That participant role creates dramatic material but blurs journalistic objectivity.
Unforgettable Onstage Moments
- The film captures memorable moments like Matt Hollywood preparing to shoot up while blasting Dandy Warhols.
- It also includes quotable incidents like "You broke my sitar" that became iconic.
