SICK: THE LIFE AND DEATH OF BOB FLANAGAN SUPERMASOCHIST
PLOT-A documentary detailing the life of Robert Flanagan, who at the time of his death (at age 41) was the oldest survivor of cystic fibrosis.
VIOLENCE-Since Bob is a self-proclaimed "Supermasochist", scenes of SM and body mutilation are rampant thoughout the film. He shoves needles into his balls, cuts himself with a razor, chokes himself, and at one point even nails the head of his penis to a board. But most horrifying of all is the scene where Bob dies in the hospital, gasping for air like a fish out of water.
SEX/NUDITY-The sex and violence are pretty much one in the same here, Bob is shown completely naked numerous times, and there are a few instances of female nudity but not much. For those who enjoy seeing SM and bondage, you'll get your kicks in spades for sure.
WHY I WATCHED IT-In the six years since I first saw it, I've become a big fan of SICK. It's finally getting released on DVD this month.
THE DOPE-I read a lot of comic books as a youngster, but as my teenage years came, I began to venture beyond the graphic novels and on to other dark corners of the bookstore. It was in one of these corners that I discovered a book called RE/SEARCH, and saw a picture of Bob Flanagan on the cover...looking just as he does on the video box for SICK. At the time, Bob was very much alive, but had suffered with cystic fibrosis (CF) his entire life. As I turned the pages and saw pics of needles stuck through Bob's scrotum, I immediately flipped out and ran over to show it to my friends. At the time, I had no idea what S&M meant aside from a 2 Live Crew song I once heard. But I was fascinated by what I was seeing in the book. Cut to 1997, my first year living in the college town of Athens, GA. While not a student at the university, I attended screenings at the campus theater regularly, as they would show all kinds of interesting obscure flicks. It was at this theater that I attended a showing of SICK, based on the fact that I'd leafed through that RE/SEARCH book so many times years earlier. I remembered Bob Flanagan well...how the hell could I forget? At first, I was fascinated and shocked by what I saw. After all, I wasn't looking at photos, but actual video in living color, on a big screen, of needles going onto a nut sack, metal balls going up a guy's ass, and the memorable dick-nailing scene. But more memorable than the shocks was the incredible personality Bob had. His story, his humor, and his performance art were all brilliant. I liked Bob a lot; he made me laugh, and he made me understand. The title SICK doesn't refer to someone that's a deviant, it refers to a man who has a terminal disease, yet is living his life to its fullest and trying to make sense of it all. What would you do if you always knew you were going to die? If your life was filled with doctors, pills, machines, and incessant coughing (just to name a few)? The film is a journey, and one with an inevitable but jarring conclusion. Yes, Bob dies, and they filmed it. You experience what those close to him experienced. I've seen SICK many times, but the first time in 1997 was the only time I've been able to sit through the ending. It's heartbreaking, disturbing, but important.
MEMORABLE SCENES-Aside from the unforgettable end, there are several less depressing key moments. My favorite is when Bob demonstrates a "visible man" figure he's modified to simulate his own body. It vomits, shits, and comes. They should sell those at Toys R Us.
NOTES-Although available on video for several years, SICK makes its DVD debut on September 23rd 2003 courtesy of Lion's Gate. They've done a stellar job with the disc, including numerous deleted scenes and performance pieces. Director Kirby Dick supervised the entire project, and hosts all the supplements (in addition to providing commentary). There is a very moving featurette in which we catch up with Sara, the girl who visited Bob in the film via the Make-A-Wish foundation, and you can listen to the soundtrack too!
(September 2003)