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American Movie
American Movie
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American Movie

American Movie

1999
Documentary
1h 47m
On the northwest side of Milwaukee, Mark Borchardt dreams the American dream: for him, it's making movies. Using relatives, local theater talent, slacker friends, his Mastercard, and $3,000 from his Uncle Bill, Mark strives over three years to finish "Coven," a short horror film. His own personal demons (alcohol, gambling, a dysfunctional family) plague him, but he desperately wants to overcome self-doubt and avoid failure.(imdb)

American Movie

1999
Documentary
1h 47m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 71.22% from 1065 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(1071)
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Rated 11 Aug 2010
100
98th
My senile uncle's wallet: The Movie
Rated 13 Apr 2010
9
94th
"Is that what you wanna do with your life? Suck down peppermint schnapps and try to call Morocco at two in the morning?" Classic documentary film style elevated to greatness through the sheer presence and charisma of Mark Borchardt and his friends. His determination to get his films made, while everything around him fails, is at once uplifting and slightly worrying. His gravitational pull is also the movie's gravitational pull. A rambling, emotional love letter to cinema.
Rated 15 Jul 2010
83
92nd
His own brother mentioning that he thought Mark would turn out to be a serial killer is the brandy-soaked cherry on this weirdly endearing tale.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
93
97th
Populated by a host of memorable characters, but at the center is Mark Borchardt -- the classic lovable loser (though not so lovable when he's had a few), a dynamo of homespun charm and undying drive, he walks a wobbly line between brutal cynicism and carefree optimism. The film follows his triumphs and frustrations like a rollercoaster, always offering new info to you, never once dwelling too long on anything. A compelling and completely re-watchable documentary.
Rated 11 Apr 2010
80
86th
Real people are, indeed, stranger than the fictitious. Standard documentary filmmaking with absolutely great subjects.
Rated 04 Jun 2008
92
96th
Really enjoyed this one. At times I caught myself laughing at the antics of Mark, Mike and their crew, and felt a twinge of guilt. I didn't want to be laughing at these people, since they were so genuine in their intentions. But really, would Mark care anyway? His determination is the highlight of the movie, and the filmmakers make sure of that and never lose sight of it. That's what ultimately makes the material, which could have been quite depressing, ultimately uplifting.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
99th
Surprisingly good documentary. Makes one want to laugh and cry at the same time. Mark Borchardt is a fascinating character bubbling with eccentricity.
Rated 26 Aug 2019
95
95th
Fan theory: Mark Borchardt is a figment of Mike Schank's imagination.
Rated 22 Jan 2013
84
90th
At times very awkward, but it has a weird charm that is impossible to ignore. Mark, uncle Bill and Mike are the type of characters you'd never find in a 'normal' film because they'd be too unbelievable... and yet here they are, in all their fascinating and flawed glory for the world to see. A painful and honest look into trying to achieve something (only) you feel passionately about when all the odds are against you.
Rated 13 Mar 2012
91
94th
What I learned from this movie: the Wisconsin definition of "scholar" is someone who "can spell a word." RIP, Uncle Bill...and thanks for the cash.
Rated 22 Oct 2008
92
95th
There's something about Mark Borchardt that's certainly a little off from the norm. However his unshakable love of film and determination to create one of his own is truly captivating. You're simply glued to his failures and successes while trying to make Coven for the same reason people agree to help him: this is his attempt at fulfilling his dream. This documentary is uplifting, tragic, sad and hilarious. And it blends all these elements perfectly.
Rated 15 May 2020
72
72nd
Produced by Bill Borchardt
Rated 25 Jul 2018
9
90th
Trying to make a better life for yourself as you're faced with both personal and professional challenges is something I think many people can relate to and I can imagine many aspiring filmmakers will identify with Mark Borchardt, a poor as fuck wannabe director whose trials and tribulations will undoubtedly resonate in painful harmony. While a flawed individual, his spirit and determination are relatable and real, and that's what makes this documentary such a compelling watch.
Rated 07 Aug 2014
100
97th
Lots of films wish they could have a Mark Borchard, a subject so real he seems impossible to caricature. He knows his dreams don't amount to much but he fights for them. Coven ain't half bad, either.
Rated 19 Nov 2012
50
18th
I don't understand what makes this 'good'. The characters aren't sad enough to be funny, or likeable. The story isn't interesting. It just kind of exists.
Rated 05 Jun 2010
100
99th
My favorite documentary of all time. Hilarious, pathetic, and inspiring at the same time. This is funnier than any written mockumentary could ever hope to be. It's excellent.
Rated 10 Mar 2010
83
67th
"It's alright, it's okay, everything is going to be fine, Jesus told me so.."
Rated 14 Aug 2007
84
74th
At times sad, at times funny, this a voyeuristic look at a very low-budget independant movie maker. Drawing from what he knows and intense love of films, Mark is determined to live the American Dream. For him that Dream is to be a succesful filmmaker. It's never entirely clear if the documentary was trying to build up Mark as a potential wunderkind or if he was trying to portray his life as a car wreck. Either way, it was thought provoking and inspiring. I need to go get "Coven".
Rated 19 Feb 2007
85
76th
Sadly funny and deceptively emotional, American Movie is a little less than a lot of fun, but it's a surprisingly interesting film about a strange and troubled guy following his dreams. I recommend this to anyone interested in making films. Really good. Note - The DVD has the film "Coven" included as a special feature.
Rated 29 Oct 2022
88
88th
There are times when this documentary is funnier than any sitcom and times where it’s deeply sad but mostly I just thought about how there must be so many Mark Borchardts out there and how good it is that at least one of them got a detailed portrait of them made
Rated 11 Nov 2015
90
99th
"Does everyone have brown gloves?"
Rated 03 Apr 2014
82
57th
Is it a documentary, or is it a movie? Why not both? Unorthodox in presentation, but believable and touching. If this were an actual movie, the acting would be phenomenal. The fact that it's 100% real makes this a must-watch, if only for the refreshing perspective.
Rated 15 Mar 2014
90
97th
American Movie struck me more as a horror film than anything else, because it locates my huge fears of failure and stagnation and just antagonizes them relentlessly. A tragic, but ultimately affectionate meditation on the nature of the American Dream.
Rated 04 Mar 2014
85
50th
Memorable characters but the focus on them seems to lose some of the context around their actions. I know it's a documentary but the sequencing feels scattered. I was often reminded of Herzog's Stroszek which, while fiction, addresses the issue of the "American Dream" in a bleaker but more satisfying way.
Rated 19 Jan 2014
7
67th
Kinda depressing. Once "Coven" is finished and released to the public there's a sense of "Uhhh, now what is this guy going to do?". He's in massive debt, the mother of his kids hates him, he lives with his parents, and his best friend is a burnout. And after having seen "Coven", I can also say his only finished movie is shit. Yet strangely enough, this documentary seemed to have catapulted his career, for better or worse. He's been on Letterman 5 times? Good for him, I guess...
Rated 26 Jan 2013
93
96th
I've seen a lot of documentaries, but I've never seen one that entertained me this much. The best screenwriters in the business couldn't write more genuine, funny, fascinating characters than these. Aside from being hilarious, the greatest thing about this movie is its overriding spirit of optimism. I was rooting for Mark. I wanted him to finish his movie, make tons of money and begin the life he wants. His lack of talent is immaterial; it's his passion and drive that's so inspiring.
Rated 23 Sep 2012
40
28th
Maybe appealing if you are American or grew up in America in that time frame (chase that American Dream!), but it didn't connect with to me. It has some funny and intense moments, but not worth the total running time. I guess if you are into film-making you'll enjoy it. Do read up on Mark and Mike's bio's though, it looks like we haven't heard the last of them.
Rated 05 Nov 2011
90
88th
Cleaning up its subjects' situations so that the end seems more like a complete, all-problems-solved victory would only detract from the strength of their stories and the hope the ending offers. As Borchardt would say, it's all rusted-out cars in a rusty landscape, but what else are you gonna do?
Rated 27 Feb 2011
88
90th
Fascinating subjects always make for a good documentary, and this is no exception. I found it rather bleak and depressing, even if on the face of it nothing particularly terrible happens and there is some form of success. It all felt like small triumphs for people stuck in a decaying world. Whatever your perspective on the material, though, it's no doubt a great film.
Rated 08 Feb 2011
80
95th
Completely surreal, its hard to believe this wasnt set up its so funny. This is a fantastic documentary and you must see this.
Rated 10 Oct 2010
74
90th
Touching film about an eternal dork and his quest to make terrible movies.
Rated 24 Aug 2009
100
99th
SEE THIS MOVIE!!
Rated 30 Oct 2008
9
93rd
How can you not love this?
Rated 04 Jun 2008
90
91st
It's like a mockumentary...only it's not. It's inspiring to watch Mark chasing his own American dream. He and Mike are so likeable and laughable, you're just rooting for them even though you know the chances of their success are so slim. And how about Uncle Bill!? So cool. "It's alriiiight, it's ooooookaaaaay. Ummm...."
Rated 27 Sep 2007
80
75th
At times funny, scary, desperate and sad (especially when he has a late-night soul-searching confrontation with the camera). And his grandfather (or -uncle) was an ongoing hoot. A lot more than about making a movie--it's about trying to break out from your life (when everything seems like one more tentacle around you).
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
73rd
This is one movie I may have to give another whirl in order to fully make up my mind about it. It has moments of optimism, but in the end it felt -- to me -- rather bleak. Mark Borchardt is such a peculiar person.
Rated 07 Nov 2024
5
31st
It’s nice and all, chasing dreams is always going to be heartwarming. But there isn’t really anything here that makes this anything more than a mildly funny and interesting insight into another’s life.
Rated 02 Nov 2024
57
16th
Having been observing the considerable hype machine for this for the last 25 years, it’s a shame that it never landed properly for me – a portrait of a SPINAL TAP-like artist who feels the brunt and pain of every sling and arrow makes for an unpleasant and marginally exploitative experience, especially in Smith’s condescending emphasis on Borchardt’s near-poverty living and domestic conditions. The featured clips at least present COVEN as having some interest as a piece of gonzo indie cinema.
Rated 12 Aug 2024
71
96th
There's something comically satisfying about seeing an egomaniacal bullshitter struggle so hard to manipulate people that are too dim-witted, senile, or jaded to care. The audience has a unique view of seeing his potential, and rooting for it to come to light. Every first time viewer looks Mark up afterward, hoping he's had some degree of success.
Rated 06 Aug 2024
94
85th
Thinking about how almost every piece of clothing worn by these guys would fetch a great price at any Logan Square vintage store. Great evocation of time and place. Amazing how the filmmakers were able to capture such remarkably cinematic set pieces and character moments. Borchardt seems like he actually has a decent eye for framing a shot. Too bad he was so disorganized, because he had the creativity and drive.
Rated 04 Jun 2024
84
78th
I was actually disappointed by this as an account of filmmaking, as it doesn't delve into that many of the different avenues of creating a film. But as an account of these particularly people in this particularly place in this particular time, it's incredible. There's so much depth to these two fellows, and scene after scene of such hilarity and humanity, I love to rewatch them. This documentary really achieved far beyond what these guys set out (and failed horribly) to do.
Rated 05 May 2024
83
82nd
If you're looking for a very sincere, focused and entertaining documentary about aspiring moviemakers, this is it. A very apt title too, this is as American a story as it gets.
Rated 11 May 2023
70
58th
i don't know why this works, but it does.
Rated 18 Apr 2023
90
96th
Hard to know what to make of it all, so the documentary has done a good job in not manipulating you too much. You're left with an unsettling emptiness that's still interesting, which fits the film well. A realist, down to earth doc about life, death, money, friendship, family, failure, success, and entertainment. And covens.
Rated 08 Apr 2021
60
54th
A depressing look at a star-gazing gutter-dweller.
Rated 26 Nov 2020
98
96th
Rated 05 Jun 2020
80
74th
Uncle Bill is the real MVP.
Rated 18 Mar 2020
60
73rd
Seen: 2.
Rated 13 Dec 2019
85
78th
a fascinating study in delusional charisma and creative force driving minions into participation in flawed dream.
Rated 16 May 2019
84
85th
While he has some major flaws, Mark's passion for filmmaking is often inspired. Laughing with him and his antics makes for an extremely fun and heartfelt documentary.
Rated 14 Sep 2016
80
92nd
This whole thing is turning out to be a theatrical mockery.
Rated 14 Mar 2014
100
99th
It always pains me a bit when the cast of American Movie get mockery as if this were just a freak show. No one's wrong to laugh, they're hilarious both intentionally and unintentionally, but it's the heart behind them that deserves to be taken seriously. With perspectives outside the norm and existing beyond normal society, these are people who never break down, give up, or feel like they don't belong in life. That oblivious yet indomitable spirit is what makes this THE American Movie.
Rated 25 Feb 2014
80
89th
So much awesome dialogue and epic oneliners it feels almost like it's scripted by a tragicomedy genius.
Rated 15 Jan 2014
80
89th
The ultimate example of what not to be when you grow up. American Movie is a collection of the weirdest fucking people in the entire world, all of whom lack any sense of self awareness. It's remarkably easy to identify what's wrong with these guys, and yet I'm not sure they'll ever know, aside from poor, tragic Uncle Bill. The best 1999 film with "American" in the title.
Rated 10 Aug 2013
90
97th
Rewatch. 20 minutes in, I had to explain to my friends that it wasn't a mockumentary. Its improbable story of a filmmaker with self destructive tendencies and a crew of amiable but daffy friends shows how far one man is willing to push himself at the barest glimpse of hitting the American dream. A great character study that reveals a lot not just about the problems some artistic types have, but the desolate wasteland of indifference that infects the country.
Rated 30 Jul 2013
85
59th
Really fun, kind of inspiring, kind of depressing. Overall it made me really want to go out and shoot a film, which I think/hope is the point.
Rated 08 Jul 2013
72
68th
You're never really sure how the film wants you to view Mark (and to a lesser extent, his sidekick Mike), and that's a good thing. Mark's passion and dedication to making what I assume is a terrible movie is both inspiring and confusing. Only complaint is that it is overhyped in the way that almost all movies about movies are.
Rated 21 Apr 2013
80
78th
A bit overrated in that all I've ever heard was how amazing a doc it is, but I feel like that has t do with the fact that it's about a wanna-be movie maker and that triggers added interest in people who love movies. It's still quite good, but mostly because the people documented are so unique. I have no idea how the movie makers found these people.
Rated 30 Mar 2013
94
96th
Everything a documentary could ever aspire to, genuine characters and real life drama. Touching and heartbreaking.
Rated 21 Nov 2012
85
87th
Mark's serious dream of making a horror film is something to be admired, but his situation is frequently depressing.
Rated 08 Oct 2012
30
12th
Never really cared for the character, he seemed so pretentious and in a documentary where you present a heroic character that is struggling with something almost impossible you have to care for him to like it.
Rated 15 Aug 2012
89
96th
It just feels... Dirty. So, so dirty.
Rated 17 Jun 2012
91
80th
Hoo boy
Rated 20 May 2012
72
82nd
Amusing and affecting documentary on the flip side of the American dream. This is not an uplifting tale of a man overcoming obstacles to ultimately triumph against the odds.
Rated 12 Mar 2012
80
85th
While its absurdity was uproarious at times (to the point of a few tears, even!), parts in the middle were also surprisingly grim. The pacing wasn't always perfect, with a few scenes feeling somewhat repetitive (frequently those focusing on the uncle), but overall quite good indeed.
Rated 30 Jan 2012
70
67th
I found it quite hard to believe that all these people were real, and I kept wondering if this was just a 'mockumentary'. It's quite funny and had me laughing out loud more than once. On the other hand, it's also quite sad, seeing this guy with a very low income spending all this time and money trying to make this movie he believes so much in. There's something rather uplifting and inspiring about it too, however. An interesting and entertaining watch, for sure.
Rated 29 Jan 2012
96
96th
This is a shockingly good movie about making a movie!
Rated 29 Nov 2011
83
88th
The first time I saw this, I thought it was a scripted comedy movie, not an actual documentary. I would have said that these totally unknown people are fantastic actors, but then I was pretty embarrassed to learn that it's all real. It's really nice seeing all the passion that goes into this guy's filmmaking process, and gives you a feeling like the American dream is alive and well. I bet a lot of people in Hollywood don't take filmmaking as seriously as this guy, yet are still more successful.
Rated 11 Oct 2011
80
87th
Mike Schank has to be one of the most endearing figures ever. Every time he showed up in the frame, I was instantly comforted. Really inspiring and heartfelt stuff.
Rated 13 Sep 2011
100
96th
Encapsulates everything that made the 90's indie movement such an inspiring and momentous period for cinema.
Rated 07 Jun 2011
90
90th
In the oh-so-ironic 90s, most of my friends in Chicago laughed at Mark Borchardt and assumed the directors intended the audience to do so. But I found Borchardt inspiring and focused and oddly sexy and his struggles to make his movie touching, not pathetic. And he did it! Which is more than I can say for most of the people laughing.
Rated 05 May 2011
95
99th
For my money, this is one of the all-time essential documentaries. On the surface it's a cult comedy about a charming loser but it's so much more than that. It's not only hilarious but it's also a brilliant document of a great American character who doesn't let his own surroundings and personal failures detract from following his own (seemingly) impossible dream. Effortlessly entertaining, tragic and uplifting in equal measure.
Rated 17 Mar 2011
70
17th
Interesting doc about a middle America guy trying to make a film despite a near-total lack of equipment, money, and help - unless you count his mother. He's got passion though, by the ton. Sadly, passion can only get you so far.
Rated 30 Oct 2010
80
22nd
There are some very good moments.. but at the end can't help feeling of missing something - maybe its the story, maybe its the direction.. not sure. But surely worth a watch esp for people who are fascinated by the craft of film making.
Rated 14 Oct 2010
100
98th
hilarious!
Rated 23 Jul 2010
95
97th
Brilliant flow, choice of footage, intriguing set of characters and Northwestern is still in production. All ingredients to ensure 'American Movie' instant classic status. The documentary catches glimpses of its subjects watching Green Bay rise to Superbowl glory, included to imply a graceful semiotic hint of relative success for the ever moving, ever thinking Borchardt. Mike Schank for the Democratic ticket.
Rated 25 May 2010
91
95th
hilarious! I'm not sure why I liked this film so much, but Uncle Bill is a great character.
Rated 26 Apr 2010
86
77th
Classic documentary material. One day I'll find my crazy/delusional/obsessive/psychotic subject and I'll win a Sundance Grand Jury prize too!
Rated 29 Mar 2010
94
91st
I've seen this 3 or 4 times now and each time it is just as captivating. You can't help but root for this guy as he struggles to overcome the problems in his life and tries to get his film made. Also, Mike is amazing.
Rated 20 Feb 2010
99
98th
One of the few movies I've ever seen that I never wanted (or want!) to end.
Rated 18 Nov 2009
86
81st
Might be one of the most personal documentaries ever. It's incredible some of the humanity found in this film.
Rated 06 Aug 2009
97
93rd
Fascinating. A true look at someone with more ambition than pure talent. This guy poured his life into this crappy little film and ultimately, because it was conveyed through this vehicle, reached great success.
Rated 01 Aug 2009
83
72nd
funny, quirky, enjoyable
Rated 18 Jul 2009
3
74th
This is a strange film, but I really liked it. I think what really impressed me was--upon viewing the trailer--I almost wasn't sure if it was a real documentary or some Christopher Guest outing. Highly recommended.
Rated 09 Jul 2009
91
92nd
A hilarious documentary with some extremely memorable people, from the optimistically dedicated Mark to the charismatically simple Mike Schank to the wise and senile Uncle Bill.
Rated 10 Apr 2009
6
95th
Something so human / real / you can't help but get caught up in it.
Rated 11 Feb 2009
75
85th
One of those documentaries that succeeds because the characters in it are so bizarre and wonderful that you wouldn't believe them if it wasn't a doc. Beneath all of that it's an impressive story about chasing your dream.
Rated 15 Aug 2008
90
94th
Great doc - I was a little nervous that the subjects would be ridiculed, but it wasn't like that at all. Mark Borchardt's work ethic and acceptance of his own vision are inspiring.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
55
50th
Funny, sad, uplifting, mildly interesting.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
28th
has a certain charm to it

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