True Films 3.0 - Kevin Kelly

American Movie
Some people find this documentary depressing because it is about a
man trapped by dreams larger than his resources. A 30-year-old slacker
in a dead prairie town in Wisconsin dreams of making a horror flick. He
has no money, no skills, no equipment, and no clue. Using beer money
earned from delivering newspapers, he bullies his drug-addled friends
into acting while he ineptly directs, often getting his elderly mom to help
out as incompetent gripper. These scenes are very funny. For years his
film is only talk, while he lounges in front of a TV, fights with his girlfriend
in a trailer park, or tries to wheedle money from his senile uncle – all riveting
in their reality. You are utterly convinced his film will never be made.
Yet scene by crazy scene, filmed in his kitchen or car over the seasons, he
finally completes his non-masterpiece. When finished, his friends shrug
like zombies. Was it worth the incredible determination it took given his
situation? He is the only one who thinks so. I found his hurdles to be
real, and his delusion of success inspiring.
By Chris Smith
1999, 104 min.
Available from Amazon
Rent from Netflix
His spacey buddy tries to play guitar blindfolded. A still from the emerging film (above). Our hero is never at a loss
for details of his plans.
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