10 Underrated Films From 1999

American Movie is an uproarious documentary about Mark Borchardt, a struggling filmmaker who scrapes together a short film with the help of his small-town community.

Mark’s journey is a fascinating one as he’s a borderline screw-up with tons of personal problems. He doesn’t have the talent or resources to make a good product, but he has a palpable, burning passion for filmmaking. He breaks through every obstacle to make his movie, sometimes to the detriment of the end product and his loved ones. The film neither judges nor condones his actions; it follows his journey and serves as a cautionary tale and a source of inspiration.

Throughout this troubled production, the crew interviews all sorts of people in Mark’s life. They feel like authentic, small-town weirdos who would go along with this crazy plan, with the standouts being the spacey Mike Schank and Mark’s crusty uncle Bill. These strange people give the film its offbeat personality and make the small town in Milwaukee feel like a character.