Stream This Overlooked Movie That Deserves to Become a Thanksgiving Tradition

As a film enthusiast with a penchant for the quirky and authentic, I can wholeheartedly recommend “American Movie” as a must-watch during the Thanksgiving season. Hailing from the Midwest myself, I find the raw, unfiltered charm of this documentary truly captivating. The seven-minute Thanksgiving sequence is a delightful highlight, offering a glimpse into the lives of characters who are far removed from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

There aren’t as many movies based on Thanksgiving compared to Christmas or Halloween in the American context. While films like “Planes, Trains & Automobiles” and last year’s “Thanksgiving” are popular choices, if you’re looking for something new to watch during this holiday season, you can check out platforms like Prime Video, Tubi, or The Roku Channel to enjoy the 1999 documentary “American Movie”. Interestingly, the movie wasn’t initially intended as a yearly watch, but its portrayal of Thanksgiving makes it even more delightful.

The movie chronicles the journey of filmmaker Mark Borchardt residing in rural Wisconsin, who is striving to make his movie titled “Northwestern” a reality. To accomplish this goal, he understands that he must first finish his short horror movie “Coven“, which he intends to sell so as to gather the necessary funds for “Northwestern“. With the encouragement of his family and his closest friend Mike Schank, viewers get a glimpse into Borchardt’s fervor for filmmaking and unwavering determination to complete “Coven“, even in the face of limited resources needed to fully materialize his vision.

The film’s debut occurred in a period when internet “viral” sensations were unheard of, thus all characters in “American Movie” appear genuinely authentic and non-performance driven. Each character is genuinely Midwestern, which adds to their charm. During the movie, we follow Borchardt and his team for several months as they work on “Coven”, and we witness them celebrating Thanksgiving together.

In the film, the Thanksgiving scene lasts for approximately seven minutes, making it one of the longest intervals without characters actively working on the production of ‘Coven.’ Instead, we’re treated to some of the movie’s most charming and heartwarming moments. From Mark aiding his elderly uncle Bill (who is also an executive producer of ‘Coven’) with bathing, to Mike Schank showing up with a joyful expression because he won money from a lottery ticket (which he keeps secret from his friends to avoid loan requests), these events offer some memorable lines you’ll likely quote. For instance, Mark says to Mike, “You look happier than hell, Jack,” while uncle Bill enthusiastically endorses his Sprite and peppermint Schnapps, saying, “Got a good taste.” Notably, filmmaker Ti West paid homage to this quote in his 2022 movie ‘X,’ as Scott Mescudi’s character also affirms, “Got a good taste,” about the lemonade he drank.

During this seven-minute segment in the movie, packed with unforgettable lines and side-splitting banter, it leaves an indelible impression on viewers’ minds. Although the film itself features limited scenes set during Thanksgiving, its overall essence beautifully encapsulates the importance of friendship, family, and community – a theme that Borchardt seems deeply grateful for.

“What makes American Movie captivating is seeing Borchardt making the most out of limited resources, such as roping in friends to write the music for Coven, employ local actors for roles and have them film scenes over months apart, enlist his mother to operate a camera, or let his children stay up late in the editing room while he edits Coven. By the end of American Movie, it’s evident that Borchardt is deeply thankful for all those who supported him in achieving his dream. Their assistance stemmed not only from their affection for him, but also from being captivated by his unwavering dedication to filmmaking.

Unfortunately, American Movie doesn’t hold the same fondness for Borchardt, as it portrayed him during a difficult period in his life. Not only was he grappling with alcoholism, contributing to some of the film’s most iconic moments, but the movie’s overall tone may come across as less of a tribute to an artist overcoming challenges and more of a critical exposé on someone working outside the Hollywood system. While Borchardt might perceive the movie as mocking him, many more sympathetic viewers see it as a celebration of his dedication.

As a film enthusiast myself, I can’t help but feel grateful for the convenience we now have in terms of movie streaming. Back in the early 2000s, “American Movie” graced our homes through VHS and DVD releases. However, it wasn’t until 2022 that it received an HD upgrade with its Blu-ray debut, a wait spanning two decades. During those two decades, fans like me had to scramble for physical copies if we wanted to relish the film, as it would pop up irregularly on streaming platforms. But this year, “American Movie” has been elevated once more with its release on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray.

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I can’t help but share my perspective on the timeless gem, “American Movie.” This film spans across significant periods in Borchardt’s life, making it an ideal choice for revisiting at various seasonal moments. However, if you ask me, there’s no more fitting time than Thanksgiving to immerse yourself in this masterpiece. The heartwarming and poignant narrative perfectly complements the spirit of gratitude and togetherness that this holiday embodies.

American Movie is now streaming on Prime Video, Tubi, and The Roku Channel.

2024-11-24 21:09

Read More