American: The Bill Hicks Story

Much more than just a comedian, Bill Hicks has become an inspiration to millions around the world. As a rebellious teenager, he discovered that comedy was a way to break all the rules and get away with it, but as he honed his skills, he realized it was also a way to open people's minds. Bill's comedy challenged the injustices of life in the late-80s, early-90s hangover that was American after the Reagan years, but his uncompromising approach met with controversy and resistance in America, and he began to find fame on the international stage instead.

In 1993, on the verge of finally breaking through to the elusive mainstream American audience, Bill was diagnosed with aggressive terminal cancer, and soon succumbed to it. But his timeless material lives on, revered today by both comedians (who frequently cite him as an influence) and fans alike. Using archival footage combined with mind-blowing digital animation, AMERICAN: THE BILL HICKS is the rare film that inspires and outrages -- while being funny as hell in the process.

“Hicks was like the stand-up comedian version of a five-tool baseball player. He could do it all.” (Matt Singer, IFC.com)