American Movie

American Movie follows independent filmmaker Mark Borchardt, a horror film and heavy metal aficionado, in his effort to complete his first feature film. When Mark's plans for his feature length film Northwestern fall apart, he sets out to finish Coven, a short black and white horror film he'd been working on for some time. The director shows Mark in his often amusing two-year attempt to finish Coven and raise enough funds to realize his dream. Synopsis by Moviefone.com.

Directed by Chris Smith
Rated R
Running time: 107 min
Documentary.

Awards

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

Reviews

Janet Maslin, The New York Times
"By the time American Movie completes its own mission, it has blossomed wonderfully into much more than a portrait of one fiendishly determined filmmaker. For anyone wondering the spirit of maverick independent filmmaking has its source, you need look no further."

Andrew O'Hehir, Salon Magazine
"Right from the beginning of the extraordinary American Movie, Mark Borchardt -- the do-it-himself Orson Welles of Menomonee Falls, Wis. -- is talking a mile a minute and telling us his life story."

Edward Guthman, San Francisco Chronicle
"American Movie is one of the most engaging personal documentaries since Terry Zwigoff turned his lens on illustrator R. Crumb."

Stephen Hunter, The Washington Post
"Are we richer for our knowledge of Marc and his example of grit and the power of dreams and the beacon on the imagination. May I have the envelope please? The answer is: NAHHHHHHHHHH!"

Want to Know More?

Official Site
Go to this inventive site for unseen footage, photalbums, chat rooms, the director's journal and more.

American Movie: A Film About Film That Seeks to Tap a Common Dream
This article from the New York Times explores the relationship between director Chris Smith and the subject of his film.

The Horror of Indie Film Making
Scary movie director and American Movie star Mark Borchardt talks about living the examined life.