Review of American Movie (1999) by Joel J — 19 Nov 2008

Twice in one week I have delved into depths of dorkedom cinema ([b][i]Darkon[/i][/b]) and come out pleased as hell. [b][i]American Movie[/i][/b] is just about as inspiring of a documentary that you will find that doesn't deal with poverty or children starving.

It is also side splittingly hilarious! The premise is simple: a blue collar Wisconsin boy named Mark Borchardt gets an eight millimeter camera when he is twelve years old and decides he is going to be a filmmaker at all cost.

Eighteen years later, he is still living at his parent's house, pounding beers, smoking dope, and convinced he is a filmmaker on the cusp of greatness. With three kids to help feed, mounting child support payments and credit card bills, and substance abuse issues looming, Mark borrows three thousand dollars from his dying Uncle Bill and decides to really put the rubber to the road.

He has to finish his short film ([b][i]Coven [/i][/b]- which he pronounces "Coaven" instead of "Cuven") to make the money to shoot his full length opus, [b][i]Northwest[/i][/b]. What ensues is both comic genius and sincere American dream chasing that will leave you smiling from ear to ear.

Do yourself a favor and watch this tonight (if you can find it).