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American Movie

Play trailer Poster for American Movie R Released Nov 5, 1999 1h 47m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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94% Tomatometer 51 Reviews 90% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
In this cult-favorite documentary, Mark Borchardt, an aspiring filmmaker from a working-class Wisconsin background, is set on finishing his low-budget horror movie, despite a barrage of difficulties. Plagued by lack of cash, unreliable help and numerous personal problems, Mark wants to complete the film to raise funds for a more ambitious drama. With the assistance of his bumbling but loyal friend Mike Schank, Mark struggles to move forward, making for plenty of bittersweet moments.
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American Movie

American Movie

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Critics Consensus

Well worth watching for film buffs and anyone who believes in following your dreams, American Movie is a warm, funny, and engrossing ode to creative passion.

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Critics Reviews

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Lisa Schwarzbaum Entertainment Weekly Rated: B Sep 7, 2011 Full Review Manohla Dargis L.A. Weekly Oct 7, 2002 Full Review Globe and Mail Rated: 3/4 Mar 19, 2002 Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy The American Dream gets the Ed Wood treatment in this affectionate documentary. Rated: 3/4 Nov 9, 2024 Full Review Christopher Campbell Nonfics A snapshot of the times...in the form of a portrait of an artist at odds with the world around him and some personal conflicts within. Nov 7, 2024 Full Review Carmela Ciuraru Out Magazine The hapless director's determination and passion are astonishing, and undeniably impressive. May 27, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Leaburn O It’s worth a watch because elements of this documentary play out like a mockumentary. It is incredibly funny in places, particularly Mike, the sweethearted stoner. The other conclusion I drew was that Mike clearly had a lot of drive, energy and even talent. It’s a shame he wasn’t from a background where that talent could be nurtured in a professional setting because he would be an asset to most film productions. Enjoyable depiction of ambition and relentless determination in an American backwater, showing the pluck and freedom of the American dream writ to a small screen picture. Watched on Amazon Prime which I was surprised and delighted to see was showcasing this indie documentary that I’d heard about elsewhere. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 11/06/24 Full Review JP h If you think this is "funny trash" watch THE ROOM starring Tommy Wiseau. This movie is just a waste of time, not even funny, bad slice of life TRASH. It's not funny AT ALL Rated 1 out of 5 stars 10/24/24 Full Review Agatha Ella J You have to see this one. It's sort of unforgettable. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 09/21/24 Full Review Brian F I have not yet seen his complete movie Coven but this was very easygoing entertainment. The two leads are passionate about movie making and friendship.They can be both Kubrick and Beavis And Butthead. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 09/08/24 Full Review J M While I definitely give this documentary a recommendation, I have to admit that Mark Borchardt and his fellow Wisconsinites are an exhausting group of people with whom to spend time. Imagine Ed Wood portrayed by Napoleon Dynamite in the world of HILLBILLY ELEGY. Their foibles and eccentricities are humorous and almost beguiling at first, but by the end it becomes a bit much, and if I saw any of these people walking down the street, I would run the other direction. I suppose it's to the credit of the filmmakers that I never got the feeling that this documentary was ridiculing them or being condescending toward them. On the contrary, it feels like there's a certain kind of appreciation given to their obsession of moviemaking. I might have responded more favorably if this were a limited series, and I could tolerate everyone in half-hour doses. But it's definitely worth seeing, and odds are you're not going to forget these people any time soon. - Jeff Marshall, Movie Blogger (Facebook) Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/18/24 Full Review Augustine J A story of one dedicated filmmaker trying to live the American dream, man. This movie moved me, man. This movie is the best documentary I've ever seen, man. You should really go watch it, man. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/01/23 Full Review Read all reviews
American Movie

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis In this cult-favorite documentary, Mark Borchardt, an aspiring filmmaker from a working-class Wisconsin background, is set on finishing his low-budget horror movie, despite a barrage of difficulties. Plagued by lack of cash, unreliable help and numerous personal problems, Mark wants to complete the film to raise funds for a more ambitious drama. With the assistance of his bumbling but loyal friend Mike Schank, Mark struggles to move forward, making for plenty of bittersweet moments.
Director
Chris Smith
Producer
Sarah Price, Chris Smith
Distributor
Columbia TriStar Home Video, Sony Pictures Classics
Production Co
C-Hundred Film Corp.
Rating
R
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 5, 1999, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 23, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA)
$1.2M
Runtime
1h 47m
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