Movie Review - American Movie

Review by Ron Cotton - April 15, 2005

Winner of Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize 1999 – Directed by Chris Smith

"I know when I was growing up, I had all the potential in the world. Now I'm back to being Mark who has a beer in his hand and is thinking about the great American script and movie. And this time, I cannot fail. I won't fail. It's not in me. You don't get second chances and mess them up. You'd be a fool to." -- Mark Borchardt, American Movie

Being a visionary without the means to do so is a humbling experience and independent film makers continually face this obstacle. Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin is home of one such visionary. Mark Borchardt must face his limitations - struggling to complete his dream. Mark's family, friends, and even his own cast don't understand Mark's relentless stance and why he doesn't just give up and get a real job. He's in debt, he puts his relationships to the back burner, and continually haunted by the shadow of his own doubts. Yet, he pushes against a mighty river of reason to blaze his own path – regardless of how ridiculous he appears to be. American Movie is a realistic view of this journey.

Chris Smith's documentary within a documentary is not uncommon within the field. What is uncommon is the subjects that he's chosen – who at first we alienate with humor and eventually their motivation becomes ours. Mark with his “Fargo” accent and his mother's foreign accent. Mike Schank's, Mark's best friend, is best noted with expressionless expressions, multiple addictions, and not-so-unique guitar work. The rest of the crew all have personalities unique amongst themselves.

Movie buffs might find it distressing that the release is a full-frame with mono sound, yet even without the “theatrical” experience the ambiance isn't lost. Packed with numerous deleted scenes and the 35-minute feature film Coven which was the crux of the film makes this release essential watching for beginning film makers. Oh, and don't forget the commentary track.

For amateur film makers, it's quite possibly the hardest film to watch without covering your eyes. The embarrassment, the realizations, and the childish love of film making places Mark Borchardt in a harsh light. Soon, it becomes quite simple to compare yourself to his own dilemma and asking yourself hard-to-swallow questions. However tasteless I might find his films to be, I must ask myself “Have I accomplished half as much as he has?” Instead I must join the thousands of procrastinators that have made no films because of the numerous excuses I've made. I don't have the time. It would never be perfect. I don't have the money. Mark's achieved much more that he and his friends give credit for – even if Coven's a “flawed” film.

Now, I must refrain from the impulse to analysis this film any further and instead recommend this film to new film makers young and old. At the very least, add this film to your rental list. Mark Borchardt has made me a fan...

For more information, go to americanmovie.com.

Other Recommendations: 'Demon Lover Diary', 'Scare Me'