American Movie | 
| Director: Chris Smith
Actors: Mark Borchardt, Tom Schimmels, Monica Borchardt, Alex Borchardt, Chris Borchardt
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Category: Movie
Buy New: $14.99
Rating:  116 reviews
Sales Rank: 19896
Genre: Art House
Rating: R (Restricted)
Media: Video On Demand
Running Time: 101 Minutes
ASIN: B000NMY7E0
Theatrical Release Date: February 20, 1999
Release Date: September 19, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Synopsis:
The hit of the 1999 Sundance Film Festival, AMERICAN MOVIE is the hilarious and intense story of one man's obsession to make movies. Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, is a long way from Hollywood, but Mark Borchardt has a dream. Armed with a driving ambition and nothing to lose, the fast-talking Borchardt enlists friends, local thespians and unwilling family members to help him finish his no-budget horror film, COVEN. The camera doesn't flinch as it captures every emotional crisis and financial pitfall in his two-year odyssey. What emerges is a bizarre, yet surprisingly heartfelt, documentary portrait of a true American character. |
| Customer Reviews: Read 111 more reviews...
 Napoleon makes a horror? DYNAMITE!!!! March 16, 2008
C. Christopher Blackshere (Finding comfort in hell)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
"THEY'RE MAKING A MOCKERY OF MY WORDS!". So laments Mark, the quirky independent film director that wants nothing more in life than finish his horror film. His dream is hindered by so many artistic nightmares--casting, finances, scenery, bill collectors, family issues...geez, it's hilarious!
"THEY WERE STILTED PERFORMANCES, AND I DID NOTHING TO RECTIFY THEM!" Mark gets frustrated working with his crew. There are so many pebbles of humor that add up to a landslide avalanche of laughter. Plus there is such a heartfelt warmth resonating through each scene, this is such a fun movie.
"LIFE IS KINDA COOL SOMETIMES!". Mark has such an undeniable passion for his craft. American Movie really connects because it's not trying too hard to be funny. It's just a touching portrait of life. It points out the importance of pursuing your dream. Drop the Hatchet and pick up this film immediately!
The Greatest Movie... EVER!?!? March 15, 2008
D. Wilson (NY by way of Cali)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
The answer is a resounding "YES" in this reviewers ever so humble(LOL!) opinion at least! Watch in amazement as loveable loser Mark Borchardt attempts to not only get his life in order, but also release his independent horror film "Coven." Lending him a helping hand are his equally inept and ecclectic crew of family and friends, most notably burned-out buddy Mike Schank! American Movie is a documentary that follows two-years worth of ups and downs in the real life of a struggling Wisconsin film maker. This picture has it all... you'll be charmed, you'll laugh, and maybe you'll even get a little choked up(gasp!). Some of the scenarios seem so bizarre and far-fetched you can't believe it's real, yet at the same time you'd never see it scripted into an actual movie either. If you're a fan of documentaries such as Grizzly Man, Trekkies, or Crumb then you will be completely blown away at how this trumps all of those put together(and those are all really good in their own right). Added bonus about the DVD is that it features nearly another movies worth of deleted scenes to enjoy AND it also contains Marks finished film "Coven," in all of its awful glory! With nearly 120 reviews I'll keep this short(not to mention all I'm doing is repeating how much I love the damn thing) and provide a "gentle nudge" towards watching my favorite movie ever... give it a try and it might become yours too!
You Can't Look Away January 17, 2008
Mr. Mambo (Burnsville, MN USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
One of my all-time favorites. Portrait of a lovable but delusional, self-absorbed Wisconsin would-be director's attempt to make his dream movie. He has no talent, no money and no education, but plenty of misplaced enthusiasm. He should be working to take care of his kids but instead sees himself as the next Spielberg. The kitchen cabinet door/head scene is one of the most stupifyingly funny things I have ever seen in my life. Other fabulous highlights are: 1. "CUV-IN"??? It's pronounced "COVE-IN"!! I can't call my movie CUV-IN!! 2. Any scene with the old uncle, the main financier. 3. Mark's brother saying he felt Mark was not really suited to making films, but was probably would be more comfortable doing "factory work"! 4. Any scene with Mike, Mark's stoned-out best friend, the victim of way too many drugs and booze (Is this a put-on??).
Yes, I suppose it is cruel to show a person like this; it's like watching a train wreck; you cannot "not watch". Reminds you in a way of the early season American Idol performers, who have no idea how bad they are. Or of other great docs on human oddities like "Grey Gardens" and "Crumb".
The danger is to tell ourselves that we are superior to these people. But we are not; perhaps it's because our delusions, insanities and obsessions are more veiled, and movies don't get made about them.
A Man Who Knows Who He Is November 2, 2007
Www.SubjectiveArt.Com (Miami, FL USA)
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
At first I thought I was watching a documentary about a loser, but in the end I concluded that Mark really is a winner because he knows who he is. Living with a guidance through what he truly wants takes courage, and the majority of people cannot do that. I am so glad that someone noticed this man's character, documented, and shared with us.
American Movie July 11, 2007
John Farr
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
A funny, bizarre, inspiring story of love, friendship, and raw perseverance. Good or bad, Mark has something he wants to say to the world, and he's going to make sure it gets said. For those adventurous enough to try it, this film will move you in unexpected ways. (Special features even include the completed "Coven"!)
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