American: The Bill Hicks Story – Documentary

Get ready to discover a comedy legend in *American: The Bill Hicks Story* (2009), a captivating 102-minute documentary by Matt Harlock and Paul Thomas that dives into the wild, rebellious life of stand-up icon Bill Hicks. If you’re craving a film that blends raw humor, heartbreak, and a fearless middle finger to the status quo, this is your ticket to an unforgettable ride!

This isn’t just a biography—it’s a front-row seat to the rollercoaster life of a Texan comedian who took on consumerism, politics, and hypocrisy with a razor-sharp wit that still stings today. Using stunning photo-animation and rare camcorder footage, the film brings Hicks’ story to life through the voices of ten people who knew him best—family, friends, and collaborator Kevin Booth. From his teenage comedy gigs in Houston’s clubs to his UK stardom, you’ll see Hicks evolve from a precocious kid to a “dark poet” whose rants on war, religion, and the American Dream sparked a cult following. The film doesn’t shy away from his struggles—alcoholism, drug experimentation, and a tragic cancer battle that cut him down at 32 in 1994.

With clips of his electrifying performances, like his censored *Letterman* set and anti-government tirades post-Waco, *American* captures Hicks’ genius and why he’s revered by comics like Russell Brand. It’s a love letter to a man who lived fast, spoke truth, and never sold out. Stream it on Prime Video, Pluto TV, or Tubi, and brace for a hilarious, poignant journey that’ll make you laugh, think, and want to challenge the system!