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1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 American Movie Mar 09, 2010
AMERICAN MOVIE is one of the most devastating, inspiring, and important films to hit the Documentary scene in decades. It is hilarious at times, depressing and hopeless at others, but regardless of the emotional response, it remains entertaining from start to finish. The filmmakers follow the life of Mark Borchardt as he attempts to complete his life's work in NORTHWESTERN, a Life and Times film based on his personal experiences struggling to make ends meet in lower-Middle Class Wisconsin. With past-due bills mounting up, time slipping by, and financing running short, Mark decides to complete his work on an earlier film COVEN in order to raise funds for his feature film. What starts as a behind the scenes documentary turns into an in depth exploration and character study of several heart-felt and sincere individuals struggling to achieve the American dream. While Mark, his ex-druggie pal Mike, fading Uncle Bill, and disillusioned parents may not be ideal role models, one thing is for certain: they are 100% real depictions of the human condition. Regardless of what new difficulties life brings in each waking moment, Mark adamantly maintains a positive attitude and progresses in a forward motion, somehow beating the odds in the face of endless adversity. One can't help but sympathize with he and each of the other characters, even though it is Mark's own personal vices like unemployment, lack of motivation, and alcoholism that set him back from his ultimate goal. In the end, when COVEN is completed and his life's dream is within grasp, the audience shares in his accomplishment and overwhelming sense of self-satisfaction, an empathetic response that is lacking in so many other soulless cinematic features. Everyone should make an effort to see this film, and it is not an eclectic art house flick reserved for Documentary buffs by any means. This is the art of film making at its finest, and director Chris Smith succeeds where Borchardt had failed so many times before in completing the true NORTHWESTERN, with Mark as his star.
-Carl Manes
I Like Horror Movies
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
One of the best documentaries I've ever seen! Mar 08, 2010
'American Movie' is one of those films that I've seen sitting on my local video store shelf for the past decade but never once thought about renting it. The simplistic VHS/DVD cover is one that always sparked my curiosity, but not enough for me to actually pick it up, flip it over and read the synopsis. I always assumed this was some sort of fake documentary similar to 'This is Spinal Tap' and never really gave it a chance. Bored and looking for something new to watch, I decided to finally give this one a go and I feel like kicking myself in the nuts for not doing so sooner.
The documentary follows inspired indie filmmaker Mark Borchardt from Milwaukee, Wisconsin as he attempts to direct his first full length feature film titled 'Northwestern'. Mark realizes early on that he doesn't have the funds needed to complete the project and is forced to put 'Northwestern' on hold. In order to raise money for the project he decides to go back and shoot another movie first...a 40 minute horror thriller titled 'Coven' which he started filming several years earlier but never finished. Mark's plan is to finish 'Coven' and sell 3,000 VHS copies at $14.95 each which would than give him enough money to make 'Northwestern'. Along for the ride is Mark's simpleminded best pal, Mike Schank and his elderly pessimistic uncle, Bill Borchardt whom together help Mark live out his dreams of becoming a real filmmaker.
I have to say that this is by far one of the best and most entertaining documentaries I've ever seen. It's like capturing lightning in a bottle...something that could never be duplicated. Even though the documentary essentially started out as a "Making Of" feature for Mark's would-be drama 'Northwestern', it eventually morphed into something much bigger and much more important than the movie itself. 'American Movie' is a captivating documentary dealing with friendships, aspirations, financial difficulties, substance abuse, life, death and everything in between.
There's never a dull moment in this 107 minute film...Whether it's Mark directing a group of actors dressed head-to-toe in black sheets, telling them that they need to "look more menacing"...or his best bud Mike Schank telling the ridiculous story of how he and Mark became such good friends. The entire movie is filled with strange, quirky characters which you can't help but to sympathize with and root for. The true unsung heroes in this documentary though are certainly the editors Jun Diaz and Barry Poltermann who do a fantastic job at turning hundreds of hours of raw footage into such a fantastic film.
I don't want to give too much away in terms of all the craziness that goes on in 'American Movie' but I strongly recommend everyone go out and buy this DVD. It's truly one of the funniest and most inspirational films I've seen in many years.
4.5 out of 5 Stars
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
American Movie Nov 05, 2009
This is a great little documentary. I wasn't sure if I should laugh at or cheer for the guy. I did alittle of both. Nice little fim about dedication to a dream...and the unorthodox way some people go about achieving it.
 Interesting, if sometimes less than engaging Oct 18, 2009
The Bottom Line:
American Movie is an interesting watch for anyone curious about the bottom feeders in the American independent film industry, but it's not very enjoyable--Mark Borchardt may be full of energy but he's not a very likable person to spend time with, and neither are his friends--and so even though I think the film has merit I would recommend watching a more enjoyable fictional film like Living in Oblivion instead.
3/4
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
American "CLASSIC" movie! Oct 15, 2009
I thought this was a "mock"umentary; couldn't believe it was real!! Funniest movie I have seen in a LONG time.
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