Watch Dill Scallion

Dill Scallion is a satirical mockumentary from 1999 directed by Jordan Brady. The film follows the titular character, a country music artist from Oklahoma, as he rises to stardom and navigates the cutthroat world of show business. Played by Billy Burke, Dill Scallion is a charming and naive young man whose talent for music and songwriting is undeniable. He dreams of making it big in Nashville and leaving his small town behind. Lauren Graham plays his love interest, Kristie Sue, a waitress at a local diner who supports him through his journey.

Dill's big break comes when he appears on a popular television show called "Country Kitchen," whose host is played by country music legend Buck Owens. His performance earns him a recording contract, and soon he is on the road playing concerts and promoting his debut album.

The film is structured like a documentary, with interviews and testimonials from various people in Dill's life, including his bandmates, record label executives, and fellow musicians. Along the way, we see the ups and downs of his career, including the intense pressure to succeed and the toll it takes on his personal life.

One of the film's strongest assets is its talented cast, which includes several notable comedians in supporting roles. Kathy Griffin plays a ruthless publicist who will stop at nothing to keep her clients in the spotlight. Henry Winkler appears as Dill's manager, a slick operator who knows how to manipulate the media to his advantage. And Willie Nelson delivers a hilarious cameo as himself, playing a version of himself who takes himself far too seriously.

The film's satirical tone is effective, poking fun at the shallow and artificial aspects of the country music industry. We see Dill being groomed for stardom, given a carefully crafted image and marketed to appeal to as wide an audience as possible. At one point, he even changes his name from Dillon Burke to Dill Scallion to make it more memorable.

Despite its humorous tone, the film doesn't shy away from darker elements. Dill's relationship with Kristie Sue becomes strained as he becomes more famous, and he begins to lose touch with his roots and his identity. The pressure to be a perfect image and never show weakness or flaws takes a toll on him.

The music in the film is another strength, with several original songs performed by Billy Burke and the talented musicians in his band. These songs capture the essence of classic country music, with lyrics about heartbreak, loneliness, and the struggles of everyday life.

Overall, Dill Scallion is a hilarious and enjoyable film, with a great cast and memorable music. It offers a satirical look at the country music industry while still celebrating the art form and the passion of the musicians behind it. It's a must-watch for anyone who loves music or enjoys a good laugh.