American Movie (1999)
Directed by: Chris Smith
Released by: Columbia TriStar Home Video
Mark: "They're making a mockery out of my words man. This whole thing is turning into a theatrical mockery...you understand that Mike?"
Mike: "No."
'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.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Released by: Columbia TriStar Home Video
Mark: "They're making a mockery out of my words man. This whole thing is turning into a theatrical mockery...you understand that Mike?"
Mike: "No."
'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.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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