SirReel
11-16-2000, 10:54 AM
Officially titled American Movie: The Making of Northwestern - I rate this "?" out of 10 as it defies my personal rating's system.
The film, actually more of a documentary, is about a colossal witless dreamer cum idiot going by the name of Mark Borchardt, dead set on making a feature length film titled Nothwestern. However, while we witness the hilarious preproduction meetings and scouting for Northwestern, Mark is also amidst production and completion of a "short" titled Coven. It is Mark's hope that the successful release of Coven will bring in enough funds to help carry Northwestern through its completion. This is the plot.
I find it difficult to rate this film. I laughed heartly on a number of occasions, but was also quite depressed at Mark's demise and seemingly unending struggle. As a viewer I want him to succeed - wishing him every possible success - but at the same time I have a hard time dealing with the fact that there is actually someone out there calling "this" their life. It goes so against my senses, brings me so far away from my comfort zone (if you will) that it made me sort of cringe, in a way.
On the lighter side; his buddy, the musician, is very funny in the simplest, most understated of ways. Mark's over-the-top enthusiasm is equally as funny, coupled with the way his actions and thoughts can turn 180-degrees in split seconds.
I won't rate this as a movie, as it is a documentary - having said that, as a documentary I rate the 90 minute tromp 9/10.
See it for a good laugh. See it if you're thinking of putting together your own film on your own budget (or family & friends' budgets).
I really want the opinions of other Schmoes on this one - so don't be shy in posting a reply.
SirReel.
[This message has been edited by SirReel (edited 11-16-2000).]
[This message has been edited by SirReel (edited 11-16-2000).]
The film, actually more of a documentary, is about a colossal witless dreamer cum idiot going by the name of Mark Borchardt, dead set on making a feature length film titled Nothwestern. However, while we witness the hilarious preproduction meetings and scouting for Northwestern, Mark is also amidst production and completion of a "short" titled Coven. It is Mark's hope that the successful release of Coven will bring in enough funds to help carry Northwestern through its completion. This is the plot.
I find it difficult to rate this film. I laughed heartly on a number of occasions, but was also quite depressed at Mark's demise and seemingly unending struggle. As a viewer I want him to succeed - wishing him every possible success - but at the same time I have a hard time dealing with the fact that there is actually someone out there calling "this" their life. It goes so against my senses, brings me so far away from my comfort zone (if you will) that it made me sort of cringe, in a way.
On the lighter side; his buddy, the musician, is very funny in the simplest, most understated of ways. Mark's over-the-top enthusiasm is equally as funny, coupled with the way his actions and thoughts can turn 180-degrees in split seconds.
I won't rate this as a movie, as it is a documentary - having said that, as a documentary I rate the 90 minute tromp 9/10.
See it for a good laugh. See it if you're thinking of putting together your own film on your own budget (or family & friends' budgets).
I really want the opinions of other Schmoes on this one - so don't be shy in posting a reply.
SirReel.
[This message has been edited by SirReel (edited 11-16-2000).]
[This message has been edited by SirReel (edited 11-16-2000).]