Project Detail

American: The Bill Hicks Story

Synopsis

'At last, the true life story of the outlaw comic who tried to save the world. He still might.'

Bill Hicks is considered by many to be the greatest comedian of the last 20 years, ironic given his anonymity in his native America. He was a preacher, a philosopher, a raging prophet who believed he could save his audience by confronting them with truth - and dick jokes. He was considered criminally unpatriotic at home for skewering the hypocrisies of the government, media and organised religion, but he broke out internationally and stunned UK audiences made him a star.

Just as he was on the verge of conquering the USA, he was diagnosed with late-stage pancreatic cancer. He was 32 years old.

15 years after his death, his popularity continues to grow, his CD's and DVDs selling more than ever and Bill himself regularly rated in 'best of' lists. Now, for the first time, his fascinating and ultimately uplifting life story is told by those that knew him best. Made in close association with Bill’s family and friends, it features unprecedented access to unseen archive material and a stunning new animation technique throughout.

American: The Bill Hicks Story is the definitive record of one of America's most iconic modern heroes - a fearless voice as relevant today as ever.

Details

Year: 2009
Type of project: Features
Running time: 115 mins
Format: HD 1080P
Director: Matt Harlock, Paul Thomas 1st Feature
Producer: Matt Harlock, Paul Thomas
Editor: Paul Thomas
Director of Photography: Paul Thomas
Composer: Bill Hicks, Marblehead Johnson and various
Principal cast: Mary Hicks, Steve Hicks, Lynn Hicks, Kevin Booth, Dwight Slade, David Johndrow, James Ladmirault, John Farneti, Andy Huggins, Steve Epstein