Expert: 7devonapes - 4/2/2010

Question
Hi 7devonapes! This is going to be pretty vague but here goes -
So, its a moch/documentary about an American film maker and his friend. They live some where quite rural in America and are quick 'hicky', for lack of a better expression. He makes really bad films but thinks he's going to make it big time and borrows money off his family #possibly grand parents# to fund them. At one point they are filming in the woods next to where they live although unfortunately I cant remember what the films are about.


It's hard to tell if it was a real thing or scripted but either way its a kind of weird awkward humor if you know what I mean??

I've asked so many people if they know this film and get completely blank faces! I think it seems quite culty and probably came out in the 90's / early 00's

Hope that wasn't too crazy!

Cheers,
Steven

Answer
Hi Steven,

I think the movie you are looking for is called "American Movie" (1999).
A plot summary from imdb.com follows:

"On the northwest side of Milwaukee, Mark Borchardt dreams the American dream: for him, it's making movies. Using relatives, local theater talent, slacker friends, his Mastercard, and $3,000 from his Uncle Bill, Mark strives over three years to finish "Covan," a short horror film. His own personal demons (alcohol, gambling, a dysfunctional family) plague him, but he desperately wants to overcome self-doubt and avoid failure. In moments of reflection, Mark sees his story as quintessentially American, and its the nature and nuance of his dream that this film explores."

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0181288
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Movie

Here is the film's trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7N2Jz1en4w


The DVD is readily available online via Amazon.com, ebay.com, etc.


All the best,
Ryan