American Movie

If you’ve ever chased a creative dream that seemed far out of reach, American Movie gets you. It’s a documentary that follows aspiring filmmaker Mark Borchardt in his dogged attempt to finish his low-budget horror film, Coven. The story isn’t really about filmmaking, though—it’s about grit, delusion, and the tough realities of chasing passion in small-town America. Mark’s optimism is both inspiring and kinda heartbreaking, especially when you see just how uphill his battle really is.

One thing that stands out is the cast of real-life characters surrounding Mark. His best friend Mike Schank, with his spaced-out sincerity, is a walking reminder that geniuses don’t always come wrapped in conventional packages. The dynamic between Mark and his family, especially his no-nonsense uncle who bankrolls the project, is a priceless bit of Midwestern reality. It’s funny and awkward, and sometimes a little sad, but always human.

The film’s tone is oddly uplifting, even though it chronicles a lot of setbacks and disappointments. It has this scrappy, underdog energy throughout, much like Mark himself. The directors, Chris Smith and Sarah Price, never feel like they’re mocking Mark or his ambitions. The camera just quietly observes, giving space for awkward silences and those rare moments of triumph that feel well-earned. You almost forget you’re watching a documentary and not a well-scripted comedy.

Pacing-wise, American Movie doesn’t speed along, but it rarely drags. If you’re expecting pure adrenaline, you might get twitchy. But I appreciated the time it takes to let things unfold—the little moments, like Mark pitching his film to tired investors in a dingy kitchen, or the repetitive, obsessive editing of a single sound effect. It says a lot about how tiring and tedious real creativity can be, with none of the Hollywood gloss.

Cinematography is minimal, with plenty of grainy home-footage feels. Nobody’s winning awards for visuals here, but it works for the DIY vibe. The real magic is in the editing, which gives the story just enough narrative shape to keep you hooked. There’s an urgency to Mark’s quest, and the film finds a way to let you ride that high and low with him.

It does fall victim to a bit of repetition in the middle. Mark’s struggles start feeling cyclic, and at a certain point you get the sense he’s his own worst enemy. But honestly, that’s kind of the point. By the end, you may not be rooting for Coven to be a blockbuster, but you’ll definitely have a soft spot for the guys who keep trying to make something happen, regardless of all odds.