Bob Flanagan
» Entertainments
Alexandra and I watched Sick: The Life and Death of Bob Flanagan, Supermasochist last night.
Knowing that he’d die at the end of the film I felt a little reluctance: perhaps it would be too depressing.
Flanagan’s life was exemplary of creativity and good humor. It is hard to imagine a man who might make more of his masochism. And - to make Faulkner’s distinction - triumph and not just endure.
The concluding section of the movie did hurt. Not the nail going through his phallus. But when his partner was addressing his breathing but unhearing body in the final hours of his life.
In a way an ideal movie about sadomasochism: S&M was just a part of the story.
(Note to R. - when Sheree had him on his stomach and admiring what she had wrought you came to my mind.)
Comments
I first encountered Bob Flanagan’s writing in an issue of Taste of Latex (a magazine whose demise I still mourn). I didn’t realize the significance then, and I’ve done a little research since then. (I haven’t seen the film.)
I have thought of him often when dealing with submissive folks who have health issues. While BDSM is not a substitute for therapy, it can, I believe, be helpful for folks with the proper inclination dealing with health or sometimes emotional issues.
Interesting the places our minds take us.
Posted by: R | March 13, 2006 12:48 AM
I finally rented the film (hooray for Netfix) and cried like a baby at the end.
I was a little nervous about it, particularly after my sister noted that watching the video to “Happiness in Slavery” (which features Bob) made her wonder if she was watching a snuff film.
Having watched the film, I’m left with a great admiration for Bob’s work, and I am considerably daunted at what sufferers of CF face. (I met a girl who had it maybe 20 years ago; I realize now she is probably dead.)
It was nice to see some of the human side of Bob. Sometimes sick people and heroes are put on a pedestal. Bob was both.
Posted by: R | October 2, 2006 9:19 PM