Rock documentary multifaceted

Ondi Timoner's rock documentary "DiG!" is one of the most honest and brutal portrayals of the music industry ever to be committed to celluloid.

Filmed over the course of seven years, the film documents the love/hate relationship between bands The Brian Jonestown Massacre and The Dandy Warhols. Two bands - friends, enemies, rivals.

Shot on grainy film reminiscent of a '70s home movie, Timoner's style offers an ambience of truth and rock 'n' roll.

Amateur camera angles present a voyeuristic look into the story of these two influential bands, allowing a true inside look into their lives on and off the stage.

The growth and degradation of the documentary's subjects is remarkably engrossing - the film encompasses not only their music but their lives as well.

The manner in which band members play off of each other is simply astounding. The camaraderie, angst and disputes create a drama that could only be found in real life.

It's more fascinating and engrossing than any fictional yarn could ever hope to be.

Every archetypal dramatic character is somehow represented in this film. The tragic hero. The hero's anchor and punching bag. The comic relief. The successful best friend.

All are presented through real people living real lives, forming a fascinating ensemble of characters with which the audience can love, hate, identify and sympathize.

Throughout the film, BJM frontman Anton Newcombe is portrayed as a mad genius, a troubled artist with an amazing vision and unchecked hubris.

All this is displayed through the eye of Timoner's camera lens with heartbreaking earnestness.

Newcombe's antics and tantrums are numerous and wholly entertaining, but unfortunately, these tend to overshadow other aspects of his character.

However, the film does take the time to display a certain respect for Newcombe, with various people constantly citing him as a "musical genius" throughout the film.

Although the film is about two completely separate bands, the focal point of the documentary is the relationship between Newcombe and Dandy Warhols frontman Courtney Taylor-Taylor.

The unfolding of their friendship over the course of seven years is, in fact, a bitter love story. So close at the beginning of the film, theirs is a tale marked by respect, disappointment and jealousy.

Certain characters might appear misrepresented due to Timoner's editing. However, it must be taken into account that seven years worth of footage encompassing the careers of two bands was pressed into a time frame of a little under two hours.

At the film's close, the audience is left with a unquenchable fascination with the enigmatic Newcombe and a deep respect for Taylor-Taylor.

"DiG!" truly embodies the spirit of rock 'n' roll and should be required viewing for anyone who claims to be a fan of the genre.

Contact the A&E Editor at artsdesk@unc.edu.