American Movie

American Movie is a warm hearted look at a failing filmmaker's struggle to realise his dream.

Mark Borchardt has had enough. He's 30 years old, living with his parents and working a dead end job, it's time to realise his dream!

American Movie is a fantastic documentary charting the rise of struggling wannabe filmmaker Mark Borchardt as he tries to bring his dream into reality. It's clear throughout that while Mark has vision and enthusiasm, he may be lacking in a little talent.

But that's not going to stop him.

Armed with a bunch of eccentric colleagues, Mark stops at nothing to get his film made even if it means dragging his mother into the woods on a snowy day to shoot a scene when his extras don't show up. 

Along with the many comedic moments, the thing that really makes this documentary stand out is its sheer warmth. Mark is a truly caring kind of guy and his sidekick Mike, despite being impossibly spaced out, just wants to help out his buddy any way he can. Mark's enthusiasm is infectious and goes to show that even without talent and resources, sheer willpower can pull you through.

Without the warmth and humour some of the subject matter could be quite depressing. Mark's Uncle Bill for instance is clearly on his last legs and not altogether "with it", but his exchanges with Mark are some of the funniest moments in the movie. Same goes for his best friend Mike who has some serious drug and alcohol abuse problems yet the two pals clearly love each other and provide some of the best humour.

Sample exchange:

Mike is smashing a car with a baseball bat for a scene in the movie...

Mark: Do you think this is a little bit cathartic for you?

Mike: Uh, very cathartic Mark

Mark: Do you know what cathartic means?

Mike: No

So with cold Milwaukee weather, money, drug and alcohol problems, a lack of technical skills and resources plus some seriously bad haircuts against them, Mark & Mike's story is one of facing up to adversity and is hugely inspiring with it.

NB: The DVD contains the short movie Coven, so you can finally see the results of Mark's hard work.

And if you're wondering what Mark & Mike have been up to since, go here for his online diary as well as the chance to buy a signed copy of American Movie.