American Movie

Chris Smith, USA, 1999, 107 minutes

American Movie: The Making of Northwestern is painfully funny. You will laugh out loud for 90 minutes all the while feeling guilty about mocking the dreams and aspirations of others less fortunate. For this is not a mockumentary in the Spinal Tap tradition; it is for real, exposing the tragic mismatch between the American Dream and the reality of life in places like Melipominee Falls, Wisconsin.

Smith’s subject is Mark Borchardt, a 30-ish divorced male who aspires to be an independent film-maker. His dream project is Northwestern, a heartfelt drama about the world he grew up in - a small-town world characterised by substance abuse and a lack of economic and cultural opportunities. But before Mark can begin Northwestern he must first complete and make money from Coven, his mid-length black and white zero budget horror film, made with family and friends - people like shambling acid casualty turned lottery addict Mike Schank and Uncle Bill, a decrepid miser living in a trailer.

Smith really doesn’t have to do anything except turn his cameras on Mark, Mike and co. and let them be themselves. And, while acknowledging Mark’s manipulativeness and failings as a father, one also can’t help but feel for him. For the footage we see of Coven does reveal a distinct visual sense. It’s hardly Mark’s fault for lacking money, connections or cultural capital. Put another way, one seriously doubts a Sofia Coppola could have done any better in his shoes.

And that, ultimately, is why American Movie is such a good documentary: it succeeds in giving you an understanding of another person and way of life and brings out our common humanity in all its futile glory. Or, to paraphrase the film’s most memorable - and oft repeated line - "It’s okay, there’s something to live for..."

Review by Miichel Gentil
Written for EUFS Programme Autumn 2004