In thinking about this documentary, I invariably apply the wrong moniker of "American Dream," which I think would have been truer than the somewhat clunky "American Movie."
It's time to retire the musty notion of the American Dream, that of the big house, 2-car garage, loving spouse and 2.5 children, steady income and no worries.
Mark Borchardt, the documentary's subject, epitomizes the new American Dream, which is to rise above one's working-class roots and become somebody. "American Movie" follows Mark on his hell-bent path towards filmmaking.
Due to his unflagging drive and determination, Mark is a fascinating subject, but, it also warrants remembering, is a real person. Too often a critique of a documentary film becomes an analysis of its subject, which is not fair--we've only seen what the documentarians have shown us.
Given how Mark's reach seemingly exceeds his grasp, it would have been awfully easy to frame the film with a high irony style, perhaps a la "Roger and Me." Instead, the filmmakers stay out of the way, showing the events in an even-handed, honest, and respectful style. This allows Mark's passion to shine through, a force with a contagious power, and you understand how all these people work with him as he tries to achieve his dream.
As a narrative, "American Movie" succeeds beautifully. It's got humor, high drama, angst, pathos, plot twists, even a happy ending. Even though much of this was no doubt constructed in the editing room, happily, it never feels disingenuous. And given Mark's continuing relationship with the production, he seems to feel it was an honest and fair portrayal.
This movie is not about filmmaking. It's about passion, obsession, following your dream. It shows obstacles where most people would give up, and how this man surmounts them through dogged determination. It's about being American, about the double-edged sword of our country's affinity with Horatio Alger--the important (and sometimes true) notion that anyone can succeed through hard work, but not preparing them for how to cope with the reality of failure.
The hit of the 1999 Sundance Film Festival, American Movie is the hilarious and intense story of one man s obsession to make movies. Menomonee Falls, ...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
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