Watch American Movie

American Movie is a documentary film that follows the life of aspiring filmmaker Mark Borchardt, who is determined to create his own horror film titled "Northwestern." The movie delves deep into Mark's life as he tries to overcome the numerous obstacles that hinder him from achieving his dream. It's a story of chasing dreams, perseverance, and the never-ending pursuit of a better life.

The movie's main character, Mark Borchardt, is a struggling filmmaker from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is determined to create his own horror film entitled "Northwestern", which he claims will be better than any Hollywood movie. Throughout the film, the audience sees Mark's relentless passion for his work as he tries to gather a film crew and raise funds to make his dream film, even if it means sacrificing his own well-being.

The documentary is mainly shot in a cinema verité style, which captures the authenticity of the situations; it makes the viewer feel like they are part of the story. The film crew follows Mark as he goes through his daily life, from driving around in a beat-up van to facing challenges that would make anyone give up on their dreams.

One of the most memorable aspects of the movie is Mark's friend, Mike Schank, who is a laid-back and eccentric character. Mike is the complete opposite of Mark but is always willing to help and support his friend whatever the situation. He is a loyal friend who is willing to take on any challenge to help his friend Mark with his dream.

As the documentary progresses, the viewer sees the struggling filmmaker's family and friends, who are often portrayed as obstacles to Mark's passion. His mother, father, and uncle are all skeptical of Mark's dream and constantly question why he is still trying to make a movie despite not having the resources or talent to do so. However, their love and skepticism can't stop Mark from pursuing his dream.

Another key character in the film is Tom Schimmels, a friend of Mark's who initially becomes the co-producer of the movie. However, Tom's lack of experience in the movie industry proves to be a major hindrance to the project's progress. The viewer watches as the two friends encounter setbacks, such as funding issues and a lack of proper equipment.

Throughout the documentary, the audience experiences the roller coaster ride of emotions that come with trying to achieve a lifelong dream. The film not only shows Mark's resilience but also illustrates the ups and downs of life, making it relatable to anyone who has ever chased a dream.

In conclusion, American Movie is a must-see documentary that shows the power of perseverance and passion, even under the toughest of circumstances. It's a testament to the human spirit and how the pursuit of a dream can be a life-changing experience. The movie had a profound impact on popular culture, and it remains a cult classic that inspires budding filmmakers to never give up on their dream.

American Movie is a 1999 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8 and a MetaScore of 84.