Sick

Sick: The Life and Death of Bob Flanagan, Supermasochist is a documentary from 1997 that probes into the surprisingly humorous and thoughtful world of Bob Flanagan, an artist, poet, and lifelong sufferer of cystic fibrosis who used sadomasochistic practices as a unique form of pain management. The film, directed by Kirby Dick, presents a deeply intimate exploration of Flanagan's life, illness, and unconventional coping mechanisms. Co-starring in the documentary is Sheree Rose, Flanagan's partner and dominant in their BDSM relationship, as well as Kathe Burkhart, an artist and friend.

"Cystic fibrosis" is a hereditary disease that affects the lungs and intestine with aggressive and often painful mucus build-up. Its victims rarely live past their twenties. Flanagan, however, lived to be 43, something he partly attributes to his practice of sexual sadomasochism. The documentary follows Flanagan's life as he navigates his illness and his engagement with BDSM culture, often coupling his sickness and masochism as a means of existential affirmation and testimony of resilience.

Sick presents an unfiltered view into Flanagan's life and art, which consistently intertwines the minefields of physical pain, sexual pleasure, and mortality. The creators make use of a rich trove of footage from various performances and interviews, supplemented by private tapes recording Bob's hospital stays and therapies. As such, it manages to capture candid moments, in all their harshness and beauty, unmasking the true spirit of an artist who turned his torment into an art form.

Flanagan's performance art consists of explicit BDSM acts, which often left the audience squirming in discomfort. But behind this shock value, he was attempting to turn the tables on his pain by suspending it between the realms of art, humor, and erotic pleasure. Flanagan discovered that rising above the pain could involve immersing in it and taking control of it. This documentary provides a unique perspective on this aspect of his life, delivering something profoundly intimate and provocative to the audience.

Beyond the shocking performances, the film touches the viewer with moments of sensitivity and deep human connection. One of the most emotional parts in the documentary is the relationship between Flanagan and Sheree Rose. Their relationship transcends the boundaries of a typical sado-maso relationship and reveals a deeply rooted connection defined by love, care, mutual understanding, and joint defiance of societal norms. Rose was more than just Flanagan's domme – she was his caretaker, helping him manage his ailment, and his inspiration, encouraging his creative endeavors.

The film also offers insight into the art and action of Kathe Burkhart, who appears in the documentary as a friend of Flanagan's and an empathetic conduit into his world. As an artist herself, Burkhart provides a unique perspective on Bob, helping us understand and connect with him further.

In a society that often shies away from discussing pain, sex, disease, and mortality, Sick becomes a valuable contribution, pushing the boundaries of what we view as normal and opening up necessary dialogues about taboo subjects. The documentary challenges our perceptions and makes us question why we are so afraid of these parts of human existence.

The honest presentation of Flanagan's life in Sick, devoid of moral judgments or looks of pity, is a testament to his spirit and strength. The candid and intimate approach of the documentary, combined with the humor and resilience of its protagonist, brings forth a poignant narrative of suffering, creativity, defiance, and the complexities at the intersections of pain, pleasure, and human life.

The documentary "Sick: The Life and Death of Bob Flanagan, Supermasochist" may not be for the faint-hearted, with its candid and sometimes harrowing visuals and subject matter. Still, it is an incredibly unique exploration of a life lived on one's own terms, despite the direst of circumstances. A captivating view into the life of an individual who embraced his pain and transformed it into a form of power and protest.