"If Mark can do it, I can do it." But that's the point you missed, isn't it? He didn't do it. The movie is called American Movie: The Making of Northwestern. He never finished Northwestern. I always saw it as a dreamer that wanted more out of life, but his reality held him back. His family didn't believe in him, he was struggling with an ex and family life, and he had financial problems and battles with alcohol. He got Coven made yeah, but he didn't become exactly what he wanted -- and that's why I think people love the film. It's not about him making it. It's about although he had everything working against him, he still tried and believed in himself.
His failed ventures did lead to bigger things his family would of never considered possible. Cameos in theatrical releases, commercials, late night, interviews & a cult of personality from a beloved doc. He' not Hollywood, but he made a name for himself in ways only he could. Acceindly or not
His belief in himself inspired his friends/family, though I think some (his family) would be reluctant to admit it. His uncle left him 50,000 $ to complete the project. Sat in a cold car for 30 takes. He passed shortly after Coven, but its almost like Mark was pumping a little more life in him. His family/friends and a line of towns people showed up for the premiere. The actors kept coming back too. And his mom dropped everything to wear a black robe and be a stand-in. The dad through all his shit-talking invested 10,000$ at one point. According to Mark, his dad told him, "had to complete the film." I do believe some of this was out of pity. Though I think the majority, at some point, were just hooked on Mark's belief in himself and the energy surrounding it. I love watching the older lady love interest re-live her youthful hopefulness/optimism through Mark after she has probably given up on her own dreams.
What I got from it - He didn't achieve everything he wanted, but he achieved...something. And that's something. His family didn't believe, yet they had his back. I liked the part where he said, that his dad told him to finish that project. Even if it doesn't turn out that great, get it out of your system, have something to look back on.
Ha, now I know where to find Schlep. I've been wanting to watch it since watching the Mandao duology. Mark Borchardt was also in The One with Jet Li. I noticed you kept saying Coven and that sounds too much like oven, man.
Lol. I’m making a mockery of his words man. Yeah I remember him in The One. It’s pretty impressive how much stuff he’s been in since American Movie. I hope you enjoy Schlep! It was a big journey for me as a filmmaker.
@@ScottyDunn I actually appreciate that you pronounced it straight. Because ultimately if AM did not exist, anyone who saw it would pronounce the title with its orthodox pronunciation.
American Movie really inspried me to make movies on a low budget. Still chasing the sun to this day on projects that are years in the making. I need to rewatch it
American Movie was great , although it drags a little bit at the end while they’re taping the film together and all that. If they have so much extra footage, there must be other great moments, why haven’t they released an extended version yet? People would eat it up.
Mike played his guitar for my birthday party back in 2009. I took him out for a fish fry and heard some great stories. I’ll never forget that day.
Legitimately one of the greatest documentaries ever made and definitely the funniest. Great video
It's such a classic. Its legacy is more inspiring than even the filmmakers realize. Thank you!
Agreed
"If Mark can do it, I can do it"
Same experience with the movie as well, man. Great video! I never get tired of hearing about this.
Thank you! It's cool to see that it was the same experience with you. It's one of my all time favorites.
I owned a signed VHS of Coven.
Man I wish I could see all that unseen footage
I Love American movie! Great vid on how this classic came together
Thank you! It’s a movie that never gets old.
I've watched this movie more than any other in my lifetime. Multiple layers of greatness.
"If Mark can do it, I can do it." But that's the point you missed, isn't it? He didn't do it. The movie is called American Movie: The Making of Northwestern. He never finished Northwestern. I always saw it as a dreamer that wanted more out of life, but his reality held him back. His family didn't believe in him, he was struggling with an ex and family life, and he had financial problems and battles with alcohol. He got Coven made yeah, but he didn't become exactly what he wanted -- and that's why I think people love the film. It's not about him making it. It's about although he had everything working against him, he still tried and believed in himself.
Well put. It's a slice of life feeling movie and sometimes what you want on life doesn't work out. But it doesn't mean you give up on it.
Maybe consider that people took different things from it.
His failed ventures did lead to bigger things his family would of never considered possible. Cameos in theatrical releases, commercials, late night, interviews & a cult of personality from a beloved doc. He' not Hollywood, but he made a name for himself in ways only he could. Acceindly or not
His belief in himself inspired his friends/family, though I think some (his family) would be reluctant to admit it.
His uncle left him 50,000 $ to complete the project. Sat in a cold car for 30 takes. He passed shortly after Coven, but its almost like Mark was pumping a little more life in him. His family/friends and a line of towns people showed up for the premiere. The actors kept coming back too. And his mom dropped everything to wear a black robe and be a stand-in. The dad through all his shit-talking invested 10,000$ at one point. According to Mark, his dad told him, "had to complete the film."
I do believe some of this was out of pity. Though I think the majority, at some point, were just hooked on Mark's belief in himself and the energy surrounding it. I love watching the older lady love interest re-live her youthful hopefulness/optimism through Mark after she has probably given up on her own dreams.
What I got from it - He didn't achieve everything he wanted, but he achieved...something. And that's something. His family didn't believe, yet they had his back. I liked the part where he said, that his dad told him to finish that project. Even if it doesn't turn out that great, get it out of your system, have something to look back on.
Thank you for this deep-dive. By far one of the greatest docs out there.
Hey my pleasure! Thanks for watching. One of my favorites of all time.
I watch this flick once or twice a month I love it
It’s Coven. Coven rhymes with oven.
Love it! And congrats on over one million views. Onward to 5 million.
Thank you Louis! Super stoked to get to 5 Mill 😃
I honestly hadn’t ever heard of this movie before but it sounds really inspiring!
It’s funny too. Kinda like Napoleon Dynamite but it’s real.
This was so exceptionally well put together. Thank you for making this!
Thank you so much!
Ha, now I know where to find Schlep. I've been wanting to watch it since watching the Mandao duology. Mark Borchardt was also in The One with Jet Li. I noticed you kept saying Coven and that sounds too much like oven, man.
Lol. I’m making a mockery of his words man. Yeah I remember him in The One. It’s pretty impressive how much stuff he’s been in since American Movie. I hope you enjoy Schlep! It was a big journey for me as a filmmaker.
@@ScottyDunn I actually appreciate that you pronounced it straight. Because ultimately if AM did not exist, anyone who saw it would pronounce the title with its orthodox pronunciation.
I was beyond ecstatic when I recognized Mark on jptwy. Good overview of the film! There's beauty in the ordinary.
American Movie really inspried me to make movies on a low budget. Still chasing the sun to this day on projects that are years in the making. I need to rewatch it
It’s a very inspiring film. Glad you’re still chasing the sun.
Centrifugally, it being in the centre.
It’s alright, it’s okay. There’s something to live for. Jesus told me so.
Chris also made home movie which was another funny and great documentary. I think it was made for an insurance commercial originally.
I love this film so much
Amazing movie
Ive seen this at least 300 times
He went to GA for scratch-offs?
American Movie was great , although it drags a little bit at the end while they’re taping the film together and all that. If they have so much extra footage, there must be other great moments, why haven’t they released an extended version yet? People would eat it up.
They released some deleted scenes on the dvd and I guess they felt like that was good enough. Yeah I’d personally like to see an extended cut!
Mark. None of that conversation!
I love that line so much
It would be cool to see that extra film they didn't use.
Agreed
It’s time for Northwestern.
Did Bill ever get his money?
Nope 🫤