Watch Sick: The Life and Death of Bob Flanagan, Supermasochist

Sick: The Life and Death of Bob Flanagan, Supermasochist is a 1997 documentary that provides an intimate look into the life of underground performance artist Bob Flanagan. The film chronicles Flanagan's journey as he explores and pushes the boundaries of BDSM culture, chronic illness, and mortality. Directed and produced by Kirby Dick, Sick features an array of artwork, interviews, and performance footage that provide a comprehensive and candid portrait of Flanagan's life and struggles.

The movie begins by introducing viewers to Bob Flanagan and his partner, Sheree Rose. We learn that Flanagan has been a lifelong sufferer of cystic fibrosis, a debilitating genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. Despite this, Flanagan was committed to living life to the fullest and using his body and art as a means of self-expression. The documentary charts Flanagan's evolution from a rebellious teenager experimenting with sex and drugs to a mature performance artist who uses pain and physical endurance to create powerful art.

Throughout the movie, Flanagan's performances are presented in their rawest form. Viewers are treated to a glimpse of Flanagan's most striking and daring pieces, including footage of his infamous "piercing" performance in which he nailed his own penis to a board. We also see Flanagan transform into Supermasochist, his alter-ego who views pain as a means of transcendence. These scenes are juxtaposed with interviews with Flanagan's family, friends, and doctors who reflect on the toll Flanagan's art took on his body and relationships.

The documentary also provides a window into Flanagan's relationship with Sheree Rose. The two met at a BDSM club in Los Angeles and soon became inseparable partners, both in life and on stage. The movie explores the intricacies of their relationship, including their unique form of communication and mutual desire for pain. The couple's BDSM practices are portrayed with sensitivity and respect, and it is evident that their love and dedication to each other is genuine.

In addition to exploring Flanagan's art and relationships, Sick also delves into his experiences with chronic illness. As an adult with cystic fibrosis, Flanagan's health was constantly declining. The documentary captures his numerous hospital stays, medical procedures, and daily struggles with managing his disease. Despite the constant pain and discomfort, Flanagan maintained a sense of humor and optimism about his situation. His art was a way to challenge and fight against his disease, and he saw his performances as a form of rebellion against his own body.

Sick closes with footage of Flanagan's death in 1996. We see his body being carted off to the morgue and pills being poured down a drain, as his voiceover discusses the inevitability of death. The final moments of the movie are a heartbreaking tribute to Flanagan's life and legacy. The film serves as a reminder that despite societal taboos against BDSM and chronic illness, people like Flanagan have the right to fully express themselves and pursue their passions.

In summary, Sick: The Life and Death of Bob Flanagan, Supermasochist is a powerful documentary that sheds light on the life and art of the late performance artist Bob Flanagan. Through interviews, performance footage, and personal accounts, the movie paints a candid and moving portrait of a man who challenged societal norms and lived life to the fullest despite his chronic illness. While the film might not be for everyone, those who are open-minded and curious about alternative forms of expression and love will find it to be a worthwhile and enlightening watch.

Sick: The Life and Death of Bob Flanagan, Supermasochist is a 1997 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 82.