chris smith be a superior filmmaker with the seldom see talent for spot a good story and then get the hell out of it way . smith american movie be the true to life record of filmmaker wannabe mark borchardt and a loser intent on milk his elderly uncle for cash to complete his horror short . but never and under any circumstance and to pursue gainful employment or support the child he conceive . such be producer smith skill that mark appear more sympathetic than otherwise . even a he entice uncle bill with sugar spun dream and executive producer credit and it be his desperation to be somebody and to have his name couple with the like of scorsese and spielberg that touch u . american movie also belong in that rare and often attempt but seldom achieve sub genre that successfully blend hilarity with horror . the humor come from borchardt ed wood style belief in his own genius . from his appal attempt at act and from his substitute his less than film savvy mother for a missing cameraman and from his employ sweet but brain damage friend mike whenever he short an actor or crew member . the horror come from see what borchardt can not represent it be this very american attitude i want and therefore i be entitle that keep him from see just how much he have to learn about his chosen craft . he be so confident he can not fail that failure be guarantee .