Sick: The Life and Death of Bob Flanagan, Supermasochist

Sick: The Life and Death of Bob Flanagan, Supermasochist is a 1997 contemporary documentary film directed by Kirby Dick that provides an intensely intimate and raw account of the life, love, creativity, and tragic demise of Bob Flanagan, one of the most extraordinary figures in the world of performance art and sexual radicalism. The film casts Flanagan himself in the leading role, accompanied by Sheree Rose and Kathe Burkhart, who played vital roles in Flanagan's life.

Exploring Flanagan's world, the documentary is not merely an exercise in the explicit or chaotic art of fetishism. Instead, it offers an insight into the remarkable testament of an individual who challenges conventional norms of pain, pleasure, art, and life itself. It's a biographical narrative that achieves a profound balance between reflecting on the challenging aspects of his existence and celebrating his relentless spirit.

Born with cystic fibrosis, Bob Flanagan was told at an early age that his life expectancy would be limited. But defying all medical expectations and odds, he lived much longer than predicted. His art was a catharsis, a process through which he transformed his personal pain and suffering into exhibitionistic performances. Through masochism, Flanagan challenged the perception of pain and made it the defining aspect of his life and art. His story, as told in the film, cuts through the heart of human vulnerability and resilience, making the audience not just observe but participate in his emotional journey.

Alongside showing an explicit indulgence in BDSM practices, Flanagan's art was also characterized by humor, loving relationships, and a grave acceptance of mortality. His work, while deemed controversial by many, offered an unconventional, compelling view into the human experience of physical pain and coping mechanisms.

In the film, there's a deeply touching portrayal of his relationship with his long-time partner, collaborator, and dominatrix, Sheree Rose. The documentary wisely and sensitively dives into the dimensions of their relationship, exploring the love, trust, and connection they shared against the backdrop of their BDSM lifestyle. The intense emotional investment they had in each other shines through, often breaking conventional notions of love and companionship.

Kathe Burkhart plays herself, having been one of Flanagan's friends and fellow artists who shared his performance art, vividly presenting the camaraderie & friendships that Flanagan fostered in his life.

Using combinations of interviews, performances, home movies, and humorous yet poignant autobiographical monologues, Sick: The Life and Death of Bob Flanagan, Supermasochist presents an honest, vibrant portrait of an individual who embraced his life on his terms. The film doesn't attempt to moralize or judge but renders a unique space for audience members to interpret and understand Flanagan's life and choices.

Even as it delves into the shadowy realm of extreme S&M practices, the film never loses sight of the human being at its center- someone who lived life in his unique, individualistic way. The film concurrently acts as an intimate biography of a man's struggle with a life-threatening illness, the solace and control he found through masochism, and a passionate love story of unorthodox companionship.

Over its course, the documentary deftly strikes a balance between sympathy and fascination, making it a compelling watch. However, the explicit visual content, which is essential to the narrative, requires the audience to bring an open mind to the viewing experience.

Sick: The Life and Death of Bob Flanagan, Supermasochist is a film that confronts discomfort, inviting viewers to examine their conceptualizations of pain and pleasure, life and death, normalcy and extremity. It's a thought-provoking, honest, and memorable portrait of an extraordinary individual. The movie will leave you with a lasting reflection on mortality and human resilience, while challenging preconceived notions about love, pain, submission, and control. This unique film is as much a testament to Flanagan's philosophy and life as it is to the human spirit's incredible strength and diversity.