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American Movie (1999) | Criteria

Backdrop for American Movie

Poster for American Movie

American Movie

English • 1999 • 1h 44m

This film is not currently available on the Criterion Channel

Director

Comedy Documentary

Synopsis

American Movie documents the story of filmmaker Mark Borchardt, his mission, and his dream. Spanning over two years of intense struggle with his film, his family, financial decline, and spiritual crisis, American Movie is a portrayal of ambition, obsession, excess, and one man's quest for the American Dream.

Included in
December 2022
Position 2
Included in
30 Years of Art-House Hits: A Tribute to Sony Pictures Classics
Position 4
Included in
November 2022
Position 62
Included in
July 2021
Position 5

Credits

Crew

DirectorChris Smith

CinematographerChris Smith

ComposerMike Schank

EditorBarry Poltermann, Jun Diaz

ProducerSarah Price, Chris Smith

Cast

Mark Borchardtas Filmmaker

Mike Schankas Friend / Musician

Tom Schimmelsas Actor in 'Coven'

Monica Borchardt

as Mark's Mom

Alex Borchardtas Mark's Brother

Chris Borchardtas Mark's Brother

Ken Keenas Friend / Associate Producer

Matt Weismanas Casting Director

Bill Borchardtas Mark's Uncle / Executive Producer

Cliff Borchardtas Mark's Dad

Tom Beachas Production Manager

Joan Petrieas Mark's Girlfriend / Associate Producer

Robert Richard Jorgeas Actor in ‘Coven’

Tommy Dallaceas The Movie Star

Dawn Borchardtas Mark's Daughter

Miriam Frostas Actor in 'Coven'

Louis Satheras Self (uncredited)

Billy Crystalas Academy Awards Emcee (uncredited)

Dean Allenas Props/Special Effects