So we've done a kung-fu movie, a pretty straight-laced Hollywood film, and now we're about to wade into new territory again: we're watching our first documentary! American Movie was released in 1999 and went on to win the Grand Jury prize for documentaries that year at Sundance. The doc follows independent filmmaker Mark Borchardt as he works on a low-budget horror movie called Coven (you're pronouncing it wrong in your head); it's actually not the film he wants to make, but he plans on using the profits from the film to develop and shoot his magnum opus, a full-length feature called Northwestern.

I haven't watched this since probably 2006-2007, so I'm interested to see how it holds up. Even though it's an actual documentary, some of the scenes are as funny as any of the bits in This Is Spinal Tap, but there are also some gut-wrenchingly sad scenes--that is, as I've said, as far as I remember. Unfortunately, this isn't streaming anywhere currently, but if there aren't any readily-available torrents, I can probably share it with some people privately (I'm not saying I can "definitely" send you a Dropbox link--I'm just saying I "might" if you PM me). It is available to rent from most VOD serives for like $3 or so: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/american-movie I'll watch it again before coming back with my thoughts, enjoy!





Previous RM Film Club Selections:
RM Movie Club #1: Once Upon a Time in Shanghai
RM Movie Club #2: Quiz Show

Man, I really do not like this movie.

Ah I used to love this movie, though I also haven't seen it in over 10 years. Excited to revisit it

Mods, could you unsticky Quiz Show and sticky this one?

ST, hypothetically, in a hypothetical scenario, which is to say, not in actuality but in an imaginary scenario where the conditions for this were to bear out. if you had that dropbox link, hypothetically, I would gladly accept it, I imagine.

I love this movie so much.

Excellent pick. Its been a while since i saw it, but i adore it.

I should mention that I also have a Dropbox link so you can watch Coven. I plan on re-watching American Movie and typing up most of my thoughts before turning to that one.

I was hoping that there'd be at least a few people that hadn't seen it...we'll see.

I haven't seen it, and it sounds like the kinda thing I'd enjoy, so I'm going to try and find time.

i haven't seen it, but am wary of the means available to watch this for free

so this is actually available at the local library, however my card expired a few months ago and i have $13.50 in late fees which i'm sure they will attempt to recoup

decisions, decisions

I'm very familiar with the premise and remember it as sort of an indie film phenomenon when it came out, but have never actually seen it. Intriguing pick.

Never even heard of this before, will see if I can track down a copy

I'm pretty sure I'm pronouncing Coven correctly in my head.

What happened to quiz show? It's not even been a week for it has it?

it's been exactly two weeks

Holy shit. Is this "fuckin coven"


I watched this so many years ago. cracked me up. What a strange fucking thing. yea wisconsin

Damn.

Good pick, good movie. There is probably nothing more inspiring than watching someone who is passionate about something. Even if that passion is not backed up by a lot of talent. And this guy is nothing if not passionate. And his sidekick is hilarious. This is the kind of documentary I would want to make if I made documentaries. Funny, fun, simple, smart.

is this from the same folks who brought us anvil! the story of anvil?