For me, the best & most memorable movies are often those which on first viewing I know nothing about. American Movie is a perfect example of just such a gem. Watching TV late one evening, I spotted the one & only good review among the dross - thankfully I settled in for a real treat. American Movie is a documentary following the unforgettable Mark Borchardt (pronounced "orchard", I believe), a highly articulate & charismatic Wisconson lad, as he struggles to write, direct and produce "MidWestern", a gritty, low-budget Horror movie on which he has been working for years. In Mark we discover a young man filled with contrast. His appearance is of the classic trailer-trash stereotype - skinny, bum-fluff mustache, '80s heavy metal styling, mullet hairdo, etc. To camera however, Mark reveals startling wit & insight as he philosophizes upon life, love, movies & the American way. As the movie unfolds, it sadly becomes clear that Mark's lack of discipline & heavy drinking are relentlessly sabotaging his creative efforts. American Movie is a charming watch, filled with hilarious moments & vivid characters. Chief among these is Mark's lovable buddy Mike Schank, a soft-spoken reformed stoner who, having conquered an addiction to scratch cards, is now dependent on soda pop. I absolutely loved American Movie. It generates real empathy between the viewer & principal characters, and provides hilarity without feeling exploitative. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone.

The passion we see here is inspiring, and some of my favorite moments were some of the black and white shots Mark Borchardt captured for his indie film effort, rather than the comedic moments of pathos. It seems he had a real eye for framing and aesthetics, and it's a shame he wasn't on a better path than partying and then the army. If he had in the end produced a work of genius or gone on to big things this documentary would have been more interesting to me. I was pulling for him and smiling over the eccentricities of all these people, including his crusty old uncle, mentally slow but loyal burnout of a friend, sweet and patient mother, and his brutally blunt brothers. It's authentic but began to feel a little bit like a circus, where the sadness of these lives are there for our entertainment, or a celebration of mediocrity. I was engaged throughout though.

This is a film which people seem to either love or hate, the same as it's subject wannabe-film-maker Mark Borchardt. The film follows Mark as he attempts to make his first feature film (called "Northwestern") and complete a short horror film called "Coven". He makes films with his friends and family using any equipment and money that he managed to get his hands on, in particular from his elderly Uncle Bill.

The thing about Mark is that he is certain that he is one of the great film-makers of our time. He is also certain that he will be successful. However, the chances are that he won't be. This is what makes the film moving. The thing is that, judging by the clips from "Coven", the man is not without talent. He certainly has a good eye, and could probably make a career in film-making, if he gets the chance. He certainly appears genuine in his desire for success.

there are some hilarious scenes though, for example, where they are trying to get an actor's head to come through a cupboard door. Also Mark's friend, Mike Schank, is hilarious.