Bill Hicks: Sane Man (DVD)

It’s been over 10 years since Bill Hicks died of pancreatic cancer. I remember the first time I heard his material, his “Rant in E Minor” album was a random purchase of mine that I made because of the snippets of his jokes that appeared in a song off Tool’s “AEnima” record, and I think it may have changed my life forever. I’d never been shocked that a person said the things he did. I didn’t agree with him on everything, and I certainly didn’t have the drug and alcoholism experiences he did and like Richard Pryor before him, openly discussed and turned into material. But I could relate, and I could understand him. Here’s a man who is simultaneously in love with and angry at the world: so frustrated, knowing that man can do better, that he lashes out with extreme, cruel jokes, detailed and disgusting jokes. At the same time he showed so much wisdom and could describe topical issues in a way that became timeless. The things he says about politicians, drugs, sex and art are just as relevant today as they were in his time. It’s sad that Bill is not with us today to talk about today’s world, but in reality he still does through his catalogue.

After releasing all his proper albums, a few extra live albums and a rarities collection, last year the first Bill Hicks DVD was released, which covered a number of shows as well as a TV documentary about Bill Hicks’ life. It’s an absolutely essential purchase for any Hicks fan. Sure the records are amazing, but watching him on stage is an extra treat. The facial expressions, the sometimes arty cuts (inspired by Pryor’s comedy films), the manic energy and pacing – this is the way to enjoy Bill Hicks.

This second DVD features the one piece of film they couldn’t get for the previous release: Sane Man. Before releasing any album, “Sane Man” was recorded as sort of a pilot to try and get an HBO special. The show was named “Sane Man” after a character Hicks created, a superhero whose power was logic and rationality. This show, like the live releases, is material a Hicks fan has heard before, but what’s of note is this is that this early in his career, he was already so very polished in both his performance and writing. There are two cuts of this Austin Texas show available, but I don’t know why anyone would watch anything but the extended performance, where there’s material I’d yet to hear at least, more interactions with the crowd and off the cuff remarks. There are some other short special features, but generally as a whole this doesn’t DVD doesn’t nearly live up to the first DVD release. Still, for the Bill Hicks completist, you won’t be disappointed. For those unfamiliar with Hicks, “Sane Man” isn’t the best place to start, but its certainly not a bad one either. – Goon

SCORE:

Recommended If You Like: Richard Pryor, Lenny Bruce, George Carlin, David Cross, Sam Kinison