Watch American: The Bill Hicks Story

American: The Bill Hicks Story is a biographical documentary film that tells the story of American comedian Bill Hicks, who was known for his controversial and politically-charged performances. The film was released in 2009, and is directed by Matt Harlock and Paul Thomas. The documentary covers Hicks' life from his early childhood in Houston, Texas, to his rise to fame in the comedy scene in the 1980s and 1990s. Through interviews with Hicks' family, friends, and colleagues, as well as archival footage of his performances, American: The Bill Hicks Story provides an intimate look at the comedian's life and career.

The documentary begins with Hicks' childhood, and highlights how his parents' strict religious beliefs and their involvement in the Pentecostal church influenced his early years. Hicks' rebellious spirit is evident from the start, as he began questioning his parents' faith at a young age, and soon began to challenge authority figures outside of the home as well.

As Hicks grew older, his love of comedy began to take root. He began performing at clubs and bars in Houston, honing his craft and developing his unique brand of comedy. The documentary shows how Hicks' material evolved, and how he became increasingly political and controversial in his later years.

One of the keys to Hicks' success was his ability to connect with his audience. He was a master at taking serious, often disturbing topics, and presenting them in a way that was both thought-provoking and funny. American: The Bill Hicks Story highlights some of his most memorable performances, including his famous bit about smoking, which he used to rail against the tobacco industry.

Throughout the documentary, the filmmakers use a unique approach to storytelling, incorporating animated sequences that help to bring Hicks' words and ideas to life. These sequences serve to illustrate his most powerful points, and provide a visual representation of his comedic genius.

Despite his popularity, Hicks' career was not without its challenges. The documentary explores how Hicks struggled with substance abuse, and how it impacted his personal life and career. It also delves into the controversy that surrounded some of his performances, particularly those that were critical of the American government and the status quo.

One of the standout features of American: The Bill Hicks Story is the interviews with Hicks' family members, particularly his mother, Mary. Through her words, the film provides insight into Hicks' life that is both touching and illuminating. We learn about Hicks' struggles with illness, and how his relationship with his family evolved over the years.

In the end, American: The Bill Hicks Story is a fascinating look at the life of one of the most iconic comedians of our time. It celebrates his talent, his courage, and his unique perspective on the world. The filmmakers have done an excellent job of capturing Hicks' spirit, and of bringing his story to life in a way that is both informative and entertaining.

For fans of comedy and for those who are curious about Bill Hicks' life and legacy, American: The Bill Hicks Story is a must-see documentary. It is a powerful tribute to a remarkable artist, and a reminder of the transformative power of humor.

American: The Bill Hicks Story is a 2010 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7 and a MetaScore of 55.