American Movie
Seen it?1999 | 104 min | Documentary, Comedy
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (94% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who wants a laugh and the curious. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Light and funny, eye-opening.
- The pace
- Breezy, at 1 hr 44 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
American Movie documents the story of filmmaker Mark Borchardt, his mission, and his dream. Spanning over two years of intense struggle with his film, his family, financial decline, and spiritual crisis, American Movie is a portrayal of ambition, obsession, excess, and one man's quest for the American Dream.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
94% on Rotten Tomatoes, 84 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.5 out of 10
- AwardsWeak
1 win and 0 nominations from smaller awards and festivals
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$1 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 85K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Chris Smith
- Mark BorchardtFilmmaker
- Mike SchankFriend / Musician
- Tom SchimmelsActor in 'Coven'
- Monica BorchardtMark's Mom
- Alex BorchardtMark's Brother
- Chris BorchardtMark's Brother
- Ken KeenFriend / Associate Producer
- Matt WeismanCasting Director
- Bill BorchardtMark's Uncle / Executive Producer
- Cliff BorchardtMark's Dad