american movie

[terror firma]

inspired by patton's upcoming screening at the new bev, let's talk about AMERICAN MOVIE! i guess this could go in the comedy forum, but i'm putting it here for some reason (oldness).

one of my all time favorites! when this came out, i know there was some criticism and accusations of the filmmakers exploiting their subjects, but i think that mark and mike's continued endorsement of the project (long after they saw the final cut) should squash that. also, i know that i don't really see it as making fun of them, but that could be because i've seen it so many times - they don't really seem that oblivious to their own humor (except maybe uncle bill).

anyway, i don't have much to say about the film, but would love to hear other's opinions!

[Cankerblossom]

Such a brilliant film. Hilarious, inspiring, and heartbreaking all at the same. It truly is the saddest film I've ever watched, and one of the funniest. I just so badly want to see Borchardt succeed and become a millionaire.

[TimBuktu]

This is for the birds.





Honestly, this is one of the best movies I've ever seen. I went to film school and met so many people like Mark, and identified with a lot of what he was trying to do himself.

If people see American Movie and leave with it only being a comedy, I feel for them. For every mis-step and drunken post Packer super bowl rant, you see something like Mark giving his uncle a bath, which is just plain heartbreaking in its sweetness.

I know I've met a lot of people in my life that seemed to be something to laugh at, clueless to the point where you can't help but think it's funny.... But they all turn out to be full human beings who are trying to do the best that they can. Mark Borchardt at least tries. That's more than I can say for most people.

It's the kind of movie I'd love to be able to make myself. Simply brilliant.

[Meen Bellpeppers]

Looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooove it.

[Jenny]

here's a great article that touches on the whole Smith makes it a comedy controversy: http://www.avclub.com/content/featur...canon_american

[nadsat droog]

I adore this film. Mark is one of those people I've always been jealous of. I wish I was that passionate about anything.

[smartbunny]

Coven rhymes with oven.

[drieux]

I finally watched "American Movie" for the first time earlier this year, after knowing about it ever since it was released. I was amazed at how great, sad, depressing, uplifting and outright awesome it is.

Since I've seen it I've recommended it to every friend, family member, etc. that hasn't yet watched it.

[Harry Bongers]

I agree with Tim and feel bad for folks who see it only as a comedy and that these two guys are a pair of fools who should be laughed at. It's been my experience that these are the same people who though How's Your News was either a) hilarious because they're retards or b) offensive because they're retards.

I went to see American Movie a few times in the theatres when it came out, trying to get as many people as possible to watch it. My birthday was coming up and my friend new how much I liked the movie, so she arranged for Mark to call me at my party and say happy birthday to me. The fucking guy called and wished me happy birthday and told me that I had my whole life to do whatever I want to. He was awesome.

[TimBuktu]

The thing that I think some people miss is that Mike Shank is a funny dude. He's obviously completely burnt, but he's still got a wry sense of humor. He and Mark are both in on the joke.

If you watched the web series post movie, this was even more obvious.

[KeithTalent]

Mark reminds me of Dignan from Bottle Rocket, only he wants to be a director instead of a criminal


edit: Mike is like Jamie Hyneman's ne'er-do-well brother

[congolia]

One of the first DVDs I ever bought. Great movie.

[Jawa]

Has anyone here ever called Mike Schank?

I think I might try calling him tonight.

http://www.americanmovie.com/mike/index.cfm

[Harry Bongers]

Has anyone here ever called Mike Schank?

I think I might try calling him tonight.

(http://www.americanmovie.com/mike/index.cfm)

I love that his 10 favourite movies list includes 12 movies.

[Adult Ed]

I dunno. I felt the whole time that the camera was laughing at Borchardt and it saddened me. I saw Borchardt himself in the same way that TimBuktu does but I felt that the entire movie was pointing and laughing at a sincere, if deluded, guy.

By way of contrast, I thought that Hands on A Hardbody presented the story of the trailer park couple with the missing teeth, the industrial air conditioner and more integrity than the entire theater I watched the movie with in a way that really preserved their dignity.