This documentary, put together by film-maker Kirby Dick, focuses on Bob Flanagan, not only an extreme masochist, but also a cystic fibrosis sufferer who managed to live to 43, a record-breaking age for the disease. His way of dealing with the disease was to focus on his pain in other ways. Yes, this film is not for the squeamish (although the only UK TV showing I'm aware of did remove the most graphic sequence), but what comes through is the simple courage of this man who chose to deal with his life in his own way, with the help of his devoted partner, Sheree Rose.
There is a particularly chilling sequence involving a young girl who sees Flanagan as a hero; while some other bits are incredibly touching - his 'poem' describing his condition and solution; the sequences following his death; and funny - 'Forever Lung'. You really should see this documentary, if only for its total honesty and openness in showing the reality of this crazy, but brave person. It will stay in your mind a long, long time.
There is a particularly chilling sequence involving a young girl who sees Flanagan as a hero; while some other bits are incredibly touching - his 'poem' describing his condition and solution; the sequences following his death; and funny - 'Forever Lung'. You really should see this documentary, if only for its total honesty and openness in showing the reality of this crazy, but brave person. It will stay in your mind a long, long time.