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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Why Dig Feels Uniquely Authentic
- Dig's power comes from long-form access and subjects not controlling the film, creating raw authenticity.
- Joe Coscarelli compares Dig to Hoop Dreams as an archetypal ground-level portrait of cultural scenes.
The Film's Central Rivalry
- Dig dramatizes the extinct tension of "selling out" through two perfectly cast foil frontmen.
- Anton embodies messy genius while Courtney embodies polished commercial ambition, which fuels the film's drama.
A Teenage Revelation Shaping A Career
- Joe first saw Dig on the Sundance channel as a teenager in suburban Florida and bought the DVD soon after.
- He watched it dozens of times and says it shaped his career approach to journalism and storytelling.
