American Movie

R

Now Playing

1h 47m

Documentary

List

94%

49 Reviews

Tomatometer

90%

10,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

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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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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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

Andrew S

A classic film. Touching and funny.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/17/23

Full Review

Richard K

My favourite documentary by a mile.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/08/22

Full Review

Red M

A comedic but heartwarming and inspirational film following Mark Borchardt, an aspiring film maker.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

11/14/22

Full Review

dave s

Mark Borchardt is a man in pursuit of the American Dream. Granted, he doesn't have much in the way of the talent or the finances or the common sense to make his dream come true, but that's beside the point. The documentary American Movie tells the story of a filmmaker from Wisconsin who strives to make the great American movie, despite his obvious shortcomings. At times hilarious (Borchardt's inability to correctly pronounce the name of his film and the behavior of his stoner best friend Mike are comic gold) and at times heartbreaking, the film is ultimately uplifting and strangely inspiring as Borchardt desperately hurdles every obstacle in his way to bring his movie to life.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

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Chris Smith

Director

Mark Borchardt

Filmmaker

Tom Schimmels

Actor in 'Coven'

Monica Borchardt

Mark's Mom

Alex Borchardt

Mark's Brother

Chris Borchardt

Mark's Brother

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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

Carmela Ciuraru

Out Magazine

The hapless director's determination and passion are astonishing, and undeniably impressive.

May 27, 2022

Full Review

Antonia Quirke

Independent on Sunday

See this film. You will laugh your head off.

Nov 28, 2017

Full Review

Jason Gorber

POV Magazine

. . .American Movie remains a peerless feature doc. 17 years after its initial release, it remains a vital part of the non-fiction canon, a warm look at artistic folly that speaks to the delusional dreamer in all of us.

Aug 15, 2017

Full Review

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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: Bill Borchardt
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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