American Movie: A Must-See For Indie Film Fans!

American Movie is a critically acclaimed documentary directed by Mark Borchardt that follows the filmmaker’s attempts to make his dream movie. The film captures Borchardt’s struggles with money, family and time, as he fights to complete Coven, an independent horror movie he hopes will launch his career. Through the process of making his movie, Borchardt gives viewers an inspirational look into the life of a passionate independent filmmaker. By exploring the highs and lows of creating a film without any resources or support, American Movie paints a vivid portrait of what it takes to make a movie against all odds.

The film has earned numerous accolades from critics and audiences alike, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature in 2000. With its honest and heartfelt look at independent filmmaking, American Movie is an inspiring representation of what can be achieved when you set your mind to something. Whether you are a fan of documentaries or just looking for some motivation, this powerful story is sure to move you.

Table of Contents

American Movie Review

American Movie, directed by Mark Borchardt is an inspiring documentary that showcases the independent spirit of American filmmakers. It follows Mark, a passionate and determined director, as he overcomes the obstacles of low-budget film making to release his dream project. Through American Movie, we get a glimpse into the struggles of independent filmmakers and see first hand what it takes to make a movie come true.

Key Features:

1. An inspiring documentary that follows Mark Borchardt as he attempts to produce his first feature film.

2. The struggles and obstacles of low-budget filmmaking are showcased throughout the film.

3. A glimpse into the perseverance and passion it takes to make an independent movie come true.

4. Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance Film Festival in 1999.

5. Available on Amazon Prime Video.

If you’re looking for a film that will inspire you to chase your dreams, then American Movie is the perfect choice! This classic documentary shows us how hard work and dedication can pay off in the end with Mark’s story as an example. With its vivid portrayal of a filmmaker’s journey, it’s sure to motivate any aspiring director or producer. And with its Grand Jury Prize win at Sundance Film Festival, you know you’re in for an incredible experience! So don’t miss out on this amazing independent movie – watch American Movie now on Amazon Prime Video!

Product Details

s/trr/tdr/>

Product	American Movie
Director	Chris Smith
Release Date	June 9, 2000
Running Time	107 minutes
Genre	Documentary, Comedy
Cast	Mark Borchardt, Mike Schank, Monica Borchardt, Tom Schimmels, Sarah Price and others.
Awards	Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 6 wins & 18 nominations.

American Movie Pros and Cons

Pros

American Movie is a documentary that follows the struggles and ultimate success of independent filmmaker Mark Borchardt as he attempts to complete his ambitious feature film, “Coven”.

American Movie provides a fascinating look into the world of independent filmmaking and offers inspiring proof that with passion and determination, anything is possible.

American Movie has a great soundtrack featuring music by the likes of Nirvana, Weezer and Pavement.

American Movie features interviews with some of Hollywood’s most famous actors, including Kevin Smith, Robert Redford and Willem Dafoe.

Cons

American Movie is slow paced at times and can be quite depressing in its portrayal of Mark’s struggles.

American Movie is not for everyone due to its gritty realism and lack of glamour.

American Movie, while a great film in its own right, may not appeal to mainstream audiences who are used to more polished productions.

If you’re looking for an inspiring story about the triumph of the human spirit over adversity, then “American Movie” is the perfect movie for you! This acclaimed documentary follows Mark Borchardt as he pursues his dream of making his own movie despite all odds. With interviews from Hollywood stars like Kevin Smith, Robert Redford, and Willem Dafoe, a great soundtrack featuring music from Nirvana, Weezer and Pavement, this is sure to be a hit with independent film fans. While it might move a bit slowly at times and be too much for mainstream audiences looking for something more glamorous, it’s ultimately an inspiring and uplifting tale that will leave you feeling inspired.

Who are They for

American Movie is an insightful and entertaining documentary about Mark Borchardt, a small-town dreamer who attempts to make his own low-budget horror movie. The film follows the trials and tribulations of Mark’s efforts to raise the necessary funds to complete his film, Coven. It examines his relationships with his friends and family, as well as his struggles with alcoholism and other personal issues.

This classic independent film was shot in Milwaukee over the course of three years and won numerous awards including the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance. American Movie captures not only Mark’s perseverance in the face of adversity but also the beauty of rural Wisconsin. It has been praised for its honest approach to storytelling and its unique look at people living on the fringes of society.

In addition to its critical acclaim, American Movie has become a cult classic among movie fans. Its humorous take on DIY filmmaking and its quirky characters have made it a favorite among many viewers. This informative and inspiring documentary is sure to make you laugh, cry, and cheer as Mark continues his quest for success.

My Experience for American Movie

I must admit that I was a bit hesitant to watch American Movie. After all, documentaries can be quite hit or miss. But this one is definitely a hit!

It follows the story of Mark Borchardt, an aspiring filmmaker from Milwaukee, as he attempts to make his movie Northwestern. Along the way, he deals with financial hardships, family issues, and personal struggles.

What makes this documentary so remarkable is how it captures the spirit of determination and ambition that is at the heart of filmmaking. From the first frame to the last, you can feel Mark’s passion for his art. You can’t help but root for him as he faces various obstacles throughout his journey.

The film also offers a unique glimpse into the world of low-budget filmmaking. You get to see how Mark manages to scrape together enough money to make his movie happen. It’s inspiring to see how much hard work and dedication goes into making even an independent film.

If you’re looking for an uplifting and inspiring documentary about making movies, then American Movie is a great choice. It will leave you feeling inspired and motivated – ready to take on your own dreams!

What I don’t Like

1. The movie has a low budget, with limited resources for special effects and production values.
2. It does not have a wide release, limiting its potential audience.
3. The film is not suitable for children, as it contains strong language, drug use, and violence.
4. The story is slow-paced, without much action or suspense.
5. Some viewers may find the documentary-style editing of the film disorienting.
6. The film’s characters are largely unlikable and their motivations unclear, which may lead to frustration for viewers.

How to Make an Independent Film with American Movie

Making an independent film is no easy task – it requires dedication, funding and a lot of hard work. However, if you have the right tools, anyone can create a great independent movie. American Movie is one such tool that aspiring filmmakers should consider. Directed by Chris Smith and produced by Mark Borchardt, this documentary follows the struggles of Mark as he attempts to make his own low-budget horror movie in rural Wisconsin.

American Movie provides an up-close look at the challenges faced by independent filmmakers, from finding a cast and crew to acquiring equipment and raising funds. By watching the movie, aspiring filmmakers can gain insight into how these kinds of projects come together. Additionally, American Movie also offers a valuable lesson on the importance of persistence and perseverance, which is essential for anyone attempting to make their own film.

Here are some tips from American Movie on how to make your own independent film:

Start out small – don’t try to tackle overly ambitious projects.

Find people who share your passion for filmmaking and collaborate with them.

Be prepared to invest your own money in the project – you may need more than you anticipate.

Keep your expectations realistic – sometimes things won’t go according to plan.

Stay focused throughout the process – don’t get too caught up in distractions.

Don’t give up – keep pushing forward until you reach your goals!

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making a successful indie movie of your own. So why not take inspiration from American Movie and start making your dream movie today?

Questions about American Movie

What is American Movie?

American Movie is a documentary film directed by Chris Smith that follows Mark Borchardt, a struggling independent filmmaker, as he attempts to make his low-budget horror movie, Coven. It premiered at the 1999 Sundance Film Festival and was released in theaters in 2000.

What are some of the topics discussed in American Movie?

American Movie explores themes of ambition, perseverance, and success through failure as it follows Mark Borchardt’s journey to complete his dream project. It also touches on the difficulties of being an independent filmmaker, discussing topics such as fundraising, finding actors and crew, equipment rentals, and dealing with production delays. Additionally, it provides insight into the lives of Wisconsin locals who helped Borchardt with his film.

What awards did American Movie win?

American Movie won several awards at the 1999 Sundance Film Festival including the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary Feature. It was also nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2000.

Ray Cooley

I'm a movie enthusiast with a passion for discovering the latest and greatest films. I love to watch movies with friends, discuss them online, and share my thoughts about them in reviews. The only thing I enjoy more than watching a great film is telling others why it's so special!