---
title: "American Movie"
year: 1999
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/american-movie-1999"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 14242
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 104
community_rating: 7.6
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "R"
---

# American Movie (1999) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/american-movie-1999

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

American Movie is a film first released in 1999. Catalogued under Documentary, Comedy. Produced and broadcast by Civilian Pictures, Bluemark Productions, C-Hundred Film Corporation. Current status: Released.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A filmmaker’s two-year battle to finish his movie becomes a raw portrait of American ambition."

### Why Watch
- Grand Jury Prize winner at Sundance 1999
- Offers an intimate look at an aspiring filmmaker’s struggles
- Blends humor with earnest ambition

### Caveats & Content Note
- Unpolished, raw documentary style may not appeal to all viewers
- Runtime under two hours may feel brief
- Tone & Suitability: Rated R for language and mature themes, the film is best suited for adult audiences.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: documentary, humorous, intimate, gritty

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/american-movie-1999#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Chris Smith
- **Networks / Studios**: Civilian Pictures, Bluemark Productions, C-Hundred Film Corporation

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Mark Borchardt** as *Filmmaker*
- **Mike Schank** as *Friend / Musician*
- **Tom Schimmels** as *Actor in 'Coven'*
- **Monica Borchardt** as *Mark's Mom*
- **Alex Borchardt** as *Mark's Brother*
- **Chris Borchardt** as *Mark's Brother*
- **Ken Keen** as *Friend / Associate Producer*
- **Matt Weisman** as *Casting Director*
- **Bill Borchardt** as *Mark's Uncle / Executive Producer*
- **Cliff Borchardt** as *Mark's Dad*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is the film about?
It follows filmmaker Mark Borchardt over two years as he struggles to complete his movie while facing personal and financial challenges.

### Q: When was American Movie released?
It was released in the United States on November 5, 1999.

### Q: What awards has the documentary received?
It won the Grand Jury Prize for Documentary at the 1999 Sundance Film Festival and was named one of the top twenty documentaries of all time by the International Documentary Association in 2002.

### Q: How long is the documentary?
The runtime is approximately one hour and forty-four minutes.

### Q: What genre does American Movie belong to?
It is classified as a documentary and comedy.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [American Movie — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/14242)
- [American Movie - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Movie)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*