American Movie
Watch TrailerMark Borchardt, a driven filmmaker from Milwaukee, pours every ounce of his being into completing his low-budget horror movie, 'Coven'. Juggling a dead-end job at a cemetery, familial pressures, and an unshakable belief in his own vision, Mark recruits his perpetually stoned friend Mike and secures funding from his elderly uncle Bill. Over two chaotic years, the camera captures a raw, unvarnished portrait of DIY artistry, financial desperation, and the sheer, stubborn will required to chase a dream against all odds.
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📋 Film Details
| Year | 1999 |
| Country | United States of America |
| Genre | Documentary, Comedy |
| Director | Chris Smith |
| Runtime | 104 min. |
| Rating | TMDB: 7.6/10 (272 votes) |
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🎬 MovieFinder's Take
Chris Smith crafts more than a making-of documentary; it's a profound and hilarious study of obsession, friendship, and the ragged edges of the American Dream. The film finds perfect tension between comedy and pathos, making you root for Mark even as his plans spectacularly unravel.
What lingers after the credits is a deep affection for these flawed, striving characters and a renewed belief in the power of pure, undiluted passion. It’s a testament to the art that happens not in Hollywood, but in suburban garages. — MovieFinder Editorial
Director: Chris Smith
Best Watched
Grainy footage, Midwestern winters, and the clatter of a vintage film editor.
🎭 Cast
Mark Borchardt
Filmmaker
Mike Schank
Friend / Musician
Tom Schimmels
Actor in 'Coven'
Monica Borchardt
Mark's Mom
Alex Borchardt
Mark's Brother
Chris Borchardt
Mark's Brother
Ken Keen
Friend / Associate Producer
Matt Weisman
Casting Director
Bill Borchardt
Mark's Uncle / Executive Producer
Cliff Borchardt
Mark's Dad
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