American Movie
1999 · Movie · R · 104 min · ★ 7.6 · 89% critics
This documentary follows an aspiring filmmaker as he struggles to finish his movie over the course of several years. Balancing money problems, family strain, and personal setbacks, he leans on friends and relatives while chasing a dream that keeps pushing him forward.
Also known as American Movie - The Making of Northwestern
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Details
- Years
- 1999
- Release date
- 1999-11-05
- Language
- English
- Rated
- R
- Runtime
- 104 min
- Critic score
- 89/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.6/10 (275 votes)
About
You may like this if you enjoy funny, heartfelt documentaries about stubborn dreamers and the people around them, with a strong underdog vibe; Not for you if you want polished storytelling or a straightforward, easygoing watch, or if you dislike messy personal struggles.
Pros: funny and heartfelt; memorable oddball characters; genuine underdog spirit | Cons: rough pacing; uncomfortable family tension; messy, frustrating moments
Themes
- underdog
- obsession
- wisconsin
- beer
- ambition
Awards & recognition
- Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize — Best Documentary · 1999
Cast & crew
Mark Borchardt
as Filmmaker
Mike Schank
as Friend / Musician
- TS
Tom Schimmels
as Actor in 'Coven'
- MB
Monica Borchardt
as Mark's Mom
- AB
Alex Borchardt
as Mark's Brother
- CB
Chris Borchardt
as Mark's Brother
- KK
Ken Keen
as Friend / Associate Producer
- MW
Matt Weisman
as Casting Director
- BB
Bill Borchardt
as Mark's Uncle / Executive Producer
- CB
Cliff Borchardt
as Mark's Dad
Directed by Chris Smith