GFF 2010: American: The Bill Hicks Story

When he died at 32, Bill Hicks had been performing stand-up comedy for almost twenty years. In American: The Bill Hicks Story, family and friends trace his trajectory to fame, accompanied by old photos brought to life with animation: from the early days, when he sneaked out of his bedroom window to do his first gig, through his self-destructive alcohol use and eventual recovery. Hicks had just started to get the acclaim he deserved when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer – but he was still censored by the US media, and found that audiences in the UK were quicker to appreciate his humour and bullshit-free perspective. As the tale unfolds, we witness the increased urgency in his final shows, and the dignity with which he conducted himself even in tragic circumstances, aiming to speak the truth right till the end. Directors Harlock and Thomas have clearly made their documentary with love, and it is engaging both for long-term fans and for newcomers to Hicks’ talent.