Documentary about writer and performance artist Bob Flanagan who died at 43 of cystic fibrosis. His life was indicated by pain from the beginning and he started to develop sadomasochistic practices, which he developed finally into performances.
Flanagan is featured in the widely banned music video for the song "Happiness in Slavery" by Nine Inch Nails. This is how he was first known to me, and I became interested in him as part of 1990s counter-culture (if such a thing exists). I was aware of this documentary, but never saw it until now (2014).
Roger Ebert reviewed the film quite favorably and said it "is one of the most agonizing films I have ever seen" and Flanagan "was a wry, witty, funny man who saw the irony of his own situation." That is, indeed, what makes it special. A dying man who hurts himself is interesting, but Flanagan has a certain level of charisma that makes him simultaneously revolting and alluring.
Flanagan is featured in the widely banned music video for the song "Happiness in Slavery" by Nine Inch Nails. This is how he was first known to me, and I became interested in him as part of 1990s counter-culture (if such a thing exists). I was aware of this documentary, but never saw it until now (2014).
Roger Ebert reviewed the film quite favorably and said it "is one of the most agonizing films I have ever seen" and Flanagan "was a wry, witty, funny man who saw the irony of his own situation." That is, indeed, what makes it special. A dying man who hurts himself is interesting, but Flanagan has a certain level of charisma that makes him simultaneously revolting and alluring.