American Movie

American Movie (1999)



Scenes like this brought back memories of film school.

This documentary follows amateur filmmaker Mark Borchardt as he works on a short horror film titled Coven.

When this movie came out, some critics accused the director of holding Borchardt up for ridicule, but I completely disagree. He's the kind of guy some would dismiss as a "loser", but the film never judges him. He was obviously chosen because he's an interesting yet relatable character. The excerpts from his work show he has some talent. I cheered his minor victories, and cringed at the lack of faith displayed by his family.

Solaris (1972)

Solaris (1972)




Some odd reports have been coming from astronauts stationed on the planet Solaris, so someone is sent to check things out.

A philosophical treatise in science fiction clothing, this movie is drained of emotion, and it moves at a snail's pace. Still, it remains compelling, even though it sometimes stops dead in its tracks so its characters can discuss the meaning of life.

Its mystifying philosophical dialogue calls to mind Samuel Beckett's Waiting For Godot, and elements of style and atmosphere recall Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey. Its setting recalls both.

There was so much to take in that I may need to see it again to do it justice.


I like doggies.