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Hicks - The ultimate Auteur of Stand-up

After three years in the making American: The Bill Hicks Story is nearly here for viewable consumption. Joint producers Paul Thomas and Matt Harlock have incorporated unseen archival footage mixed with 70% animated photo collages to tell the story of the often controversial but legendary stand-up comic.  Hicks was listed as the 19th greatest stand-up comedian of all time by Comedy Central in 2004, and 6th greatest in 2007. Tragically, at only 32 years old, Hicks lost a battle against pancreatic cancer.

Ken Campbell even counts feathered animals amongst his die-hard fanatics

The film is narrated by Hicks’ friends, family and fellow comedians. Reviews have named the title as both a great introduction to anyone unfamiliar with him whilst catering to his cult fan base. American: The Bill Hicks Story is out at selected UK cinemas on May 14th.

Director, Ken Campbell, like Hicks, was utterly unique in performance and vision - coming to represent a whole generation of his comedy peers.

For another dose in comic genius I recommend catching jtd title Antic Visionary: The World of Ken Campbell. Sheridan Thayer’s film looks back over Campbell’s incredible career with interviews from companions, colleagues and fanatics.  Behind-the-scenes horseplay and recollections of  memorable meetings with Campbell are told by actors such as Jim Broadbent, Bill Nighy and Chris Langham, to name a few.

If you have an interest in stand-up comedy, acting, scriptwriting, theatre or just alternative ways of living then this is definitely the doc for you. Watch it in full here.