Bill Hicks was one of America’s bravest comedians. Throughout the 80s and early 90s, he tickled many audiences’ funny bones. He was brash and honest, qualities very few comedians of his day, and even today, possess. He left a unique impression on society and left the world way too soon, taken by cancer. American: The Bill Hicks Story engagingly tells the story of the late comic’s life and legacy.
American is a terrific documentary which chronicles the short but highly fascinating life of Hicks. Interviews of friends and family members shed light on the comedian’s birth, childhood, teenhood, comedy beginnings, comedy success, alcoholism, sobriety and finally, death. Rare photos, animation, performance footage and informative interviews comprise this truly riveting biography.
Hicks was born in Valdosta, Georgia but grew up in Houston, Texas. His family was normal middle-class and he had good friends who stood by him. His comedy roots began in Sunday school where he performed for other children. Later on, he started writing comedy routines with his friend, Dwight Slade. His style mirrored that of Woody Allen and Richard Pryor. In 1978, 17-year-old Hicks’ comedy career officially started as he, Slade, and other friends Ben Dunn, John S. and Kevin Booth began performing at the Comedy Workshop in Houston. Eventually, Hicks was performing every Tuesday night all the while attending high school during the day.
In 1980, Hicks graduated from high school and moved to Los Angeles to pursue comedy full-time. He became a regular at the Comedy Store in Hollywood and even had a short-lived sitcom. In 1982, he moved back to Houston and became a touring comedian. During this time, Hicks began to experiment with drugs and alcohol. He felt that chemical substances would help improve his material. He was wrong however and soon became addicted to these “medications”.
As Hicks battled with his addictions throughout the 80s, he achieved considerable fame as a stand-up comedian. His problems with substance abuse actually made him vulnerable allowing him to be open about his problems on stage. This method of dark comedy was painfully honest and mesmerizing to watch. He was a person just like anyone in the audience and this allowed the crowd to identify with Hicks. When he was performing in front of them, they shared his pain and this created a unique atmosphere, a mutual relationship, so to speak.
Directors Matt Harlock and Paul Thomas have painted an absolutely vivid portrait of one of comedy’s most controversial performers. Using an innovative form of animation, the photos compiled in this documentary have been put together in a sort of collage-style, zooming in and moving across the screen. The photos almost leap off the screen creating a very attractive motion picture.
Bill Hicks wasn’t just a comedian; he was a social critic, an individual who saw society for what it was and provided his own insight into why it was the way it was. He was loud, energetic and truthful, a volatile combination some audiences couldn’t tolerate. He was the subject of controversy and even censorship. He broke boundaries and challenged social norms. Comedy was his profession and taking risks were his M.O.
In 1994, at the age of 32, Hicks died of pancreatic cancer. His routines were fiery and memorable. His brutal honesty earned him a special place in history and American: The Bill Hicks Story eloquently tells his life’s tale. Few biographical documentaries are this absorbing and if you are interested in learning about a truly different type of comedian, then I highly suggest you pick up this wonderful Blu-ray set.
“I left in love, in laughter and in truth and wherever truth, love and laughter abide, I am there in spirit.” – Bill Hicks
Blu-ray Bonus Features
The bonus features for American: The Bill Hicks Story are quite extensive. There are 30 minutes of rare clips, three hours of extended interviews, Bill’s personal audio journals, deleted and alternate scenes, alternate animation sequences, trailers, audience reactions and 1.5 hours worth of featurettes.
"American: The Bill Hicks Story" is on sale June 7, 2011 and is not rated. Documentary. Directed by Matt Harlock, Paul Thomas. Written by Matt Harlock, Paul Thomas. Starring Bill Hicks, John Farneti, Kevin Booth, Lynn Hicks, Mary Hicks.
