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Amazon.com essential video: Struggling filmmaker Mark Borchardt is the subject of American Movie, and he may also be the most determined man you'll ever meet. The straggly haired, fast-talking, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, native lists his greatest influences as Dawn of the Dead, Night of the Living Dead, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. He began making horror movies as a gangly adolescent, and is now set on finishing Coven (which he pronounces like "woven"), the "35-minute direct market thriller" he has worked on for two years. In the process, he steadfastly battles immense debt, the threat of losing his kids, and birds chirping gleefully through scenes set in the dead of winter. His mother would rather do her shopping than be an extra, his brother contends he's best suited for factory work, and his father just wants him to "watch the language." Standing by him through it all is Mark's childhood buddy, Mike Schank, who is the strongest weapon against drug use a task force could ever hope for, and Uncle Bill, begrudging financier of Coven, who appears to be wasting away before our very eyes. In less perceptive hands these two could easily become caricatures--the burnt-out stoner and the crotchety old coot--but through director Chris Smith's lens we see why Mark loves them, why they love Mark, and why each of these stories is uniquely compelling. Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the 1999 Sundance Film Festival, the film has been compared to Spinal Tap and Waiting for Guffman--two unquestionably hilarious mock-documentaries--and, indeed, American Movie has plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. But in the spoofs, we feel encouraged to point and giggle at the poor slobs trying to get a piece of the action. Smith, however, offers us a funny and overwhelmingly affectionate portrait; you may sit down expecting to laugh at Mark's pie-in-the-sky hopes, but you soon find yourself bursting with admiration. "The American dream stays with me each and every day," Mark says, and by the end, we want nothing more than for it to come true. (The DVD version includes the complete short film "Coven.") --Brangien Davis
Customer Reviews:
- Napoleon makes a horror? DYNAMITE!!!!: "THEY'RE MAKING A MOCKERY OF MY WORDS!". So laments Mark, the quirky independent film director that wants nothing more in life than finish his horror film. His dream is hindered by so many artistic nightmares--casting, finances, scenery, bill collectors, family issues...geez, it's hilarious!
"THEY WERE STILTED PERFORMANCES, AND I DID NOTHING TO RECTIFY THEM!" Mark gets frustrated working with his crew. There are so many pebbles of humor that add up to a landslide avalanche of laughter. Plus there is such a heartfelt warmth resonating through each scene, this is such a fun movie.
"LIFE IS KINDA COOL SOMETIMES!". Mark has such an undeniable passion for his craft. American Movie really connects because it's not trying too hard to be funny. It's just a touching portrait of life. It points out the importance of pursuing your dream. Drop the Hatchet and pick up this film immediately! - The Greatest Movie... EVER!?!?: The answer is a resounding "YES" in this reviewers ever so humble(LOL!) opinion at least! Watch in amazement as loveable loser Mark Borchardt attempts to not only get his life in order, but also release his independent horror film "Coven." Lending him a helping hand are his equally inept and ecclectic crew of family and friends, most notably burned-out buddy Mike Schank! American Movie is a documentary that follows two-years worth of ups and downs in the real life of a struggling Wisconsin film maker. This picture has it all... you'll be charmed, you'll laugh, and maybe you'll even get a little choked up(gasp!). Some of the scenarios seem so bizarre and far-fetched you can't believe it's real, yet at the same time you'd never see it scripted into an actual movie either. If you're a fan of documentaries such as Grizzly Man, Trekkies, or Crumb then you will be completely blown away at how this trumps all of those put together(and those are all really good in their own right). Added bonus about the DVD is that it features nearly another movies worth of deleted scenes to enjoy AND it also contains Marks finished film "Coven," in all of its awful glory! With nearly 120 reviews I'll keep this short(not to mention all I'm doing is repeating how much I love the damn thing) and provide a "gentle nudge" towards watching my favorite movie ever... give it a try and it might become yours too!
- You Can't Look Away : One of my all-time favorites. Portrait of a lovable but delusional, self-absorbed Wisconsin would-be director's attempt to make his dream movie. He has no talent, no money and no education, but plenty of misplaced enthusiasm. He should be working to take care of his kids but instead sees himself as the next Spielberg. The kitchen cabinet door/head scene is one of the most stupifyingly funny things I have ever seen in my life. Other fabulous highlights are: 1. "CUV-IN"??? It's pronounced "COVE-IN"!! I can't call my movie CUV-IN!! 2. Any scene with the old uncle, the main financier. 3. Mark's brother saying he felt Mark was not really suited to making films, but was probably would be more comfortable doing "factory work"! 4. Any scene with Mike, Mark's stoned-out best friend, the victim of way too many drugs and booze (Is this a put-on??).
Yes, I suppose it is cruel to show a person like this; it's like watching a train wreck; you cannot "not watch". Reminds you in a way of the early season American Idol performers, who have no idea how bad they are. Or of other great docs on human oddities like "Grey Gardens" and "Crumb".
The danger is to tell ourselves that we are superior to these people. But we are not; perhaps it's because our delusions, insanities and obsessions are more veiled, and movies don't get made about them. - A Man Who Knows Who He Is: At first I thought I was watching a documentary about a loser, but in the end I concluded that Mark really is a winner because he knows who he is. Living with a guidance through what he truly wants takes courage, and the majority of people cannot do that. I am so glad that someone noticed this man's character, documented, and shared with us.
- American Movie: A funny, bizarre, inspiring story of love, friendship, and raw perseverance. Good or bad, Mark has something he wants to say to the world, and he's going to make sure it gets said. For those adventurous enough to try it, this film will move you in unexpected ways. (Special features even include the completed "Coven"!)
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