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Savage Love© America Billy
Sick: The Life and Death of Bob Flanagan, Supermasochist (1997)
Starring: Bob Flanagan, Sheree Rose Throughout my life I've been conditioned to believe that sadomasochism is an unnatural act performed only by sexual deviants, and my reaction to it has admittedly been one of discomfort and perhaps, a little disgust. Kirby Dick's controversial 1997 documentary Sick: The Life and Death of Bob Flanagan, Supermasochist changed all that by exposing the stereotypes surrounding S&M (It is unhealthy, unnatural, hurtful, and shameful.), and presenting a poignant and tender portrayal of the lifestyle's more unique proponents: cystic fibrosis sufferer and performance artist Bob Flanagan and his partner Sheree Rose. At its most basic level, Sick is a documentary about Bob Flanagan -- whose lifelong battle for survival with cystic fibrosis (He died in 1995.) left him in constant pain -- and his attraction to the often hidden world of S&M. We learn that sadomasochism allowed him to gain control over his body and the type of pain he had to endure. It provided him with a voice for and a meaning behind his suffering; if he had to live with pain, he may as well learn to enjoy some aspect of it. We attain further insight to Flanagan's attraction by interviews with his partner, Sheree. In one excerpt, she explains that sadomasochism greatly revolves around the participant's recollection of memories (In part, because of the lasting cuts and bruises involved.) For instance, every time Bob looks at a mark inflicted by Sheree, he remembers and thinks of her. These memories remain at the forefront of the film by the director's inclusion of performance and video art on which Bob and Sheree collaborated throughout their relationship. (For example, an "S" carved in Flanagan's chest during a piece called "Leather to Home" stays constantly visible on his often naked body.) In addition, by publicly performing many of their acts on stage, it's revealed that Bob and Sheree gain additional memories to cherish, thus making S&M all the more inviting. While the act of sadomasochism and the reasons behind its appeal are at the visual and thematic center of the documentary, Bob and Sheree's relationship is what truly lies at the heart of the film and ultimately destroys the stereotypes surrounding S&M. One notable portion of the documentary airs footage from a video entitled "Autopsy" (1994), where Flanagan acts as the "corpse" and Sheree as the "coroner." In it, she explains some of the techniques of her trade, such as slapping and strangulation. However, after demonstrating these acts, Sheree gently strokes his face or his neck. And it is this combination -- violence followed by displays of genuine tenderness -- that shifts the autopsy from a distant act shrouded in mystery and clouded by stereotypes to one of affection between two loving partners. The moment expresses clearly that Sheree does not want to hurt Flanagan, but rather she wants to please and excite him. Go To Page: 1 2
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