for me and the best and most memorable movie be often those which on first view i know nothing about . american movie be a perfect example of just such a gem . watch tv late one evening and i spot the one and only good review among the dross thankfully i settle in for a real treat . american movie be a documentary follow the unforgettable mark borchardt ( pronounced orchard and i believe ) and a highly articulate and charismatic wisconson lad and a he struggle to write and direct and produce midwestern and a gritty and low budget horror movie on which he have be work for year . in mark we discover a young man fill with contrast . his appearance be of the classic trailer trash stereotype skinny and bum fluff mustache and 80 heavy metal styling and mullet hairdo and etc . to camera however and mark reveals startle wit and insight a he philosophize upon life and love and movie and the american way . a the movie unfolds and it sadly become clear that mark lack of discipline and heavy drinking be relentlessly sabotage his creative effort . american movie be a charming watch and fill with hilarious moment and vivid character . chief among these be mark lovable buddy mike schank and a soft spoken reform stoner who and have conquer an addiction to scratch card and be now dependent on soda pop . i absolutely love american movie . it generate real empathy between the viewer and principal character and and provide hilarity without feel exploitative . i would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone .