Film Review American: The Bill Hicks Story 
UK 2009. 107 min. Directors: Matt Horlock, Paul Thomas. Cast: Bill Hicks, Kevin Booth, John Farneti
Film Review: American: The Bill Hicks Story
Other Recent Film Review Articles
Engaging if not revelatory documentary which utilises unique photo-animation techniques to describe the wealth of the backstory, which is a clever way of studying Hicks’ formative years as a Houston youth escaping the clutches of his Christian parentage to experiment with stand up comedy from the eager age of just 15. The technique works more than just as a substitute to a lack of filmed archive footage (because there is a surprisingly substantial amount, much of which never before seen), but it is particularly suited to the more psychedelic aspects of the comedian’s life, like his mind-altering experiences with hallucinogens, and the sequences are narrated with cartoonish absurdity via interviews from those closest to the comedian during his unfortunately short life: parents Jim and Mary, sidekick Dwight Slade, drug buddy Kevin Booth.
Interestingly, it is the work of two British filmmakers to offer such a personal (albeit glossy) perception on the life of a comedian best known for attacking American systems and values. Hicks himself earned the moniker of the world’s first “rock ‘n’ roll” comedian thanks largely to his success in the UK, despite spending most of his career on the road in America, becoming largely more embittered with the country around him, not to mention the inevitable abuse that such a lifestyle left on his body. When his final appearance on ‘The Dave Letterman Show’ was cut, Hicks saw this as the final rejection from a country which had never awarded him the credit that he deserved.
But the best bits, of course, are the jokes, and Hicks was a unique blend of both astute thinker and volatile entertainer, describing himself as “Chomsky with dick jokes” - a somewhat dismissive statement given the quality of his impassioned routines which countless comics have attempted to embody ever since.
If anything, this documentary will have you reaching for your copy of Relentless or Sane Man with renewed enthusiasm, which can only ever be a good thing.
Out 14 May
Posted on Wednesday 14th April 2010
Ben Johnson
Share this article or
Tweet it!
Sending you to Twitter, hold on... Comments on Film Review: American: The Bill Hicks Story
Comment by Mark Johnson
Posted on Wed 14th Apr 10 11:53 am
I only recently discovered Bill Hicks. I’ve got to say, he makes me cringe a little in places, but that could just be an inability to process sincerity from performers on my part. In any case, I’ve certainly found what I’ve seen compelling - I reckon I’ll check this out. Thanks, Ben.
Comment by Alex Warwick
Posted on Fri 14th May 10 4:09 pm
Been watching Bill Hicks for about 19 years now. I forst came across him doing a stand up for Channel 4, I think it was Revelations. I then watched it until the VHS tape snapped. I can reccomend Rant in E Minor on cd for any Hicks virgins. And Revelations as the best DVD. Also, get yourself the book Love all the People, and read it. Its a tragedy he died so young at 32. That’s my age now, and I still feel young. Get involved with Hicks and you will evolve. Rest in Peace Goat Boy.
