So sorry to hear about Mike. My wife and I have quoted his saying about gambling, drugs, and alcohol for twenty years now. "With gambling sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, but with drugs and alcohol you always lose"
Such a touching documentary. A realistic, detailed portrait of a man trying his best, striving with all he's got to bring something of artistic value into the world -- and I'm not even kidding. Anyone who calls themselves a filmmaker can relate to this movie, whether it's calling up your buddies to work for a couple hours as an extra, trying to figure out how to smash an actors head through a cupboard without hurting him; or doing any number of odd tasks related to no-budget filmmaking. Immaculate.
I return to this doc about once a year, after this indulging once again, I looked to see if any of Mike's songs were available only to discover he died Thurs morning..feel like I've lost an old pal. Rest easy Mike.
I used to call Mark and talk to him LONG after this movie was released. One time I called and talked to his Ma (who he was still living with in 2003...) He called me back and left a message on my answering machine, it was great. 'Hey, Jen, this is Mark, man, I'm just givin' you a call back, give me a call when you get this, see ya'...I called back and he was changing a lightbulb and had to head up to a market to buy some 9 volt batteries. He called back. He asked me what I looked like, if I was single. That tickled me, lol. We talked about how I love to write, too. It was always inspirational. One time he even asked me to call Mike cuz he'd get a kick out of it. I've stopped calling but I'll never forget those few years when I'd call and he'd always make time to chat and remember who I was
I watch a lot of documentaries, but this is the only one that made me feel like I knew the people in the film as friends. A great accomplishment for less than two hours of film. RIP Mike.
This unlocked the best teenage memories. I used to watch this constantly in total awe. I ask if “everyone has brown gloves” regularly, I’m thankful some people know what I’m talking about. This is the reason I moved to LA in 2016 & work in entertainment.
MIKE! i was the guy that came up to you and asked to jam on Fight Fire With Fire while you were waiting outside a stage for some show you were doing an interview on, and we sang the whole thing together. Thanks brother! ill never forget that
Incredible documentary. When they say Mark has an indomitable spirit, they aren't lying. RIP to uncle Bill, Mike and other cast members who may have passed. It was beautiful for a community to come together like this.
Such a bittersweet documentary. I see so much of myself in Mark...too much, I could say, because I often worry that I'm headed down the same path. It's very easy to picture myself ten years from now bouncing between dead-end jobs and relying on my parents, endlessly chasing a dream of making feature films but never achieving it. If Northwestern had ever actually been finished, American Movie would have a totally different meaning now. As it stands, it's a very moving tribute to a creative guy that never really managed to overcome himself.
Sean Gentry you can choose to change that whenever you wish. Now is better than ever. Invest yourself in your craft because you're the one who decides where you end up in ten years.
I liked the film but the writer-dir starts to act like a annoying jerk towards the end. Hard to feel or support a guy who's bitter, yells at everyone. 🎥
Just heard about what happened with Mike and watching this trailer reminds me of all my friends. Mike looked like the kind of friend that would be there for you to the end!
It is all real. Life is weird, but the internet has made us all skeptics of anything that is beyond normal. If these are all actors and it is all scripted, then why have they not done something else to make money since then and be a new cast of Christopher Guest characters?
I thought it was a mockumentary until things started becoming real. I think it was when Ken was talking about peer pressure being bullshit...dates started coming up and I had to start the WHOLE thing over again. I couldn't believe this was real...
This, and 'Young@Heart' are two of the greatest documentaries ever. Both deal with the creative drive unburdened by perfection. Greatest respect to anyone who even tries. x
Respect to Mark for never giving up on his dreams, even though the odds were stacked against him! He is the Man! A True Filmmaker and an inspiration for many aspiring artists everywhere! GOD Bless him, man!
This reminds me of my life , I'm still trying to get my crew back together to Finish the film we started , too bad they hate me and don't want to be friends with me anymore . Being an independent director in high school sucks alot
wolf zilla You're in now, not tomorrow. Certainly Now turns into all the days of the week because it *is* in every day of the week, though work on your nowness; keep thinking of living in the moment. Procrastination = Procrastinari (in its latin origins) and that means "Pro Tomorrow" meaning "I'll do it tomorrow" instead of now on some level. You're thinking of making a film so you're already working on it on some level.
I love this film. It's in my heart and will never leave. Every time I watch it I get inspired. I make my living in the independent film world. The one thing that's always struck me really odd is when Mark is recording the first speech of the film. Why doesn't he just let his uncle read it off a page. I mean, he's not filming him? Doesn't that seem weird?
I have an amazing story. One day I was driving home, when all of a sudden the Lord came to me in spirit. I felt very close to Him. I knew if I asked him to play any song on the radio he would, I guess to bless my faith. So I said "ok, Lord play "Come as you are by Nirvana". I turned on the radio and the song started playing right there on the spot, perfectly… I started getting flooded with chills like a waterfall, crying, and trembling. He stayed with me for 10 minutes in my driveway. until I got outta the car. A couple months after that I started getting amazing prayers answered way more often, because it helped me quit doubting when I pray and I was lined up with biblical instructions. It's 6 years later and I still get answered prayers in Jesus name.
@@zachshalack4205 You're so mean!! Take THIS!!!!! 🐣 💣💨 👋 🐔 💥 Why do you hate my testimony, Shlem? I have actual, tangible evidences that God is real, and Jesus is God. Why don't you care!? We've had 4 people healed from stage 4 cancer at one church I go to for goodness sake, Shlem! 🫵🧨💥
Its so strange that the movie about making a movie got more famous that the actual movie they were making American Movie has a cult following and is available on multiple streaming platforms while the movie they were making "Coven" is only available on vhs on an obscure movie site
I remember when this movie came out. I was thinking about watching it because of my love of indie movies and seeing the film making process. Its been a quarter of a century and I still have yet to watch this movie, I kind of forgot about it in a sence, but recently thought about it again.
I see a lot of people saying "This movie is great. Definitely deserves watching". Are you talking about American Movie, the documentary? Or the movie the director made, Coven? Because I am really interested in watching the one you're talking about. Might end up watching both, though. But I wanna know first. Which are you talking about?
Has anyone heard of the documentary called "Elliot"? its a movie that is very similarto American movie only the main character is a pathological liar ??
![ผัวเถื่อน - ยูริ โตเกียวมิวสิค [ OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/P08ORRVDGl8/mqdefault.jpg)
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Rest In Peace Mike
A kind & peaceful man who made a difference in so many lives across the world 💔
My friend and I quoted Mike’s responses for over 20 years.
Mike schenk died?
So sorry to hear about Mike. My wife and I have quoted his saying about gambling, drugs, and alcohol for twenty years now. "With gambling sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, but with drugs and alcohol you always lose"
Oh my.. he was a great human.
One of a kind.
Rest easy and jam out with Hendrix.
*Schank@@averagebodybuilder
Such a touching documentary. A realistic, detailed portrait of a man trying his best, striving with all he's got to bring something of artistic value into the world -- and I'm not even kidding. Anyone who calls themselves a filmmaker can relate to this movie, whether it's calling up your buddies to work for a couple hours as an extra, trying to figure out how to smash an actors head through a cupboard without hurting him; or doing any number of odd tasks related to no-budget filmmaking. Immaculate.
Hi I am a Google voice account seller if you need please
Probably the best documentary ever. Please spend your time watching this great film filled with real human emotion and struggle.
Yeah, I think it just edges out Grizzly Man as my favourite too. I recommend Jim and Andy by Chris Smith too.
I return to this doc about once a year, after this indulging once again, I looked to see if any of Mike's songs were available only to discover he died Thurs morning..feel like I've lost an old pal. Rest easy Mike.
He lives forever in this masterpiece. RIP Mike
One of the greatest films ever made. This, to me, is the very definition of a documentary.
I used to call Mark and talk to him LONG after this movie was released. One time I called and talked to his Ma (who he was still living with in 2003...) He called me back and left a message on my answering machine, it was great. 'Hey, Jen, this is Mark, man, I'm just givin' you a call back, give me a call when you get this, see ya'...I called back and he was changing a lightbulb and had to head up to a market to buy some 9 volt batteries. He called back. He asked me what I looked like, if I was single. That tickled me, lol. We talked about how I love to write, too. It was always inspirational. One time he even asked me to call Mike cuz he'd get a kick out of it. I've stopped calling but I'll never forget those few years when I'd call and he'd always make time to chat and remember who I was
What a great anecdote.
Nice! I called Mike, around 2003, at a mall payphone. He was super nice and chill. We just chatted about the movie, and his music.
Soooo ... he left a normal generic answer machine message for you? Wow!! Stop the press.
@@rabbieburns2501 wow you’re super edgy dude, can I have your number
@@rabbieburns2501 I bet your a blast at parties
RIP Mike
Make sure everyone up in Heaven has their brown gloves
Does everyone have brown gloves?
I watch a lot of documentaries, but this is the only one that made me feel like I knew the people in the film as friends. A great accomplishment for less than two hours of film. RIP Mike.
Mike Schank rules forever. RIP. My condolences to his family and friends.
This unlocked the best teenage memories. I used to watch this constantly in total awe. I ask if “everyone has brown gloves” regularly, I’m thankful some people know what I’m talking about. This is the reason I moved to LA in 2016 & work in entertainment.
One of the GREATEST documentary/films ever!
RIP Mike. An authentic human being
MIKE! i was the guy that came up to you and asked to jam on Fight Fire With Fire while you were waiting outside a stage for some show you were doing an interview on, and we sang the whole thing together. Thanks brother! ill never forget that
RIP. Sounds like he was a great guy!
Incredible documentary. When they say Mark has an indomitable spirit, they aren't lying.
RIP to uncle Bill, Mike and other cast members who may have passed. It was beautiful for a community to come together like this.
Rest in Peace Mike Shank October 13 2022
One of the most beautiful films about artists ever made...EVER!
Such a bittersweet documentary.
I see so much of myself in Mark...too much, I could say, because I often worry that I'm headed down the same path. It's very easy to picture myself ten years from now bouncing between dead-end jobs and relying on my parents, endlessly chasing a dream of making feature films but never achieving it.
If Northwestern had ever actually been finished, American Movie would have a totally different meaning now. As it stands, it's a very moving tribute to a creative guy that never really managed to overcome himself.
Sean Gentry you can choose to change that whenever you wish. Now is better than ever. Invest yourself in your craft because you're the one who decides where you end up in ten years.
@@natedsamuelson Your faith in the world is touching.
Just stay away from that Vot-Ka
Great synopsis!
Spot on. I live here in a suburb of Milwaukee, and can't emphasize enough how much WE all relate to this film....
I liked the film but the writer-dir starts to act like a annoying jerk towards the end. Hard to feel or support a guy who's bitter, yells at everyone. 🎥
@@DavidLLambertmobile Nature isn't always pretty
Just heard about what happened with Mike and watching this trailer reminds me of all my friends. Mike looked like the kind of friend that would be there for you to the end!
what a beautiful homage to gritty film making , dream following, and the documentarian who saw the diamond in the rough
Best person in a documentary ever. RIP
I still can't believe this is all real.
It is all real. Life is weird, but the internet has made us all skeptics of anything that is beyond normal. If these are all actors and it is all scripted, then why have they not done something else to make money since then and be a new cast of Christopher Guest characters?
I thought it was a mockumentary until things started becoming real. I think it was when Ken was talking about peer pressure being bullshit...dates started coming up and I had to start the WHOLE thing over again. I couldn't believe this was real...
It's all real. I was behind the scenes for most of this. If you ever wondered what he was like in real life, watch it again. That's how he is. ;)
i watched the entire movie the first time thinking it was a decent mockumentary. then researched it and found out it was an amazing documentary
That’s gotta be the finest review for the flick I’ve ever heard.
Mark and Mike inspire me to no end. So very real and wonderful.
Man i love this movie. Rest in peace Uncle Bill
And now Mike!
Not just a great documentary - American Movie is a great film.
Great great film. I try to watch it a few times every year. Very inspirational in a twisted way :)
this movie is great, everybody should see this! it is a very touching movie about a man who wanted to get his movie made.
Great documentary. Probably one of my favourite films ever. Quite touching in places and genuinely funny.
He would do well on youtube he was born at wrong era. Great documentary would love to see again
This, and 'Young@Heart' are two of the greatest documentaries ever. Both deal with the creative drive unburdened by perfection. Greatest respect to anyone who even tries. x
Respect to Mark for never giving up on his dreams, even though the odds were stacked against him!
He is the Man! A True Filmmaker and an inspiration for many aspiring artists everywhere!
GOD Bless him, man!
"Iam 35 years old and iam about to clean shat (shit) up of the bathroom floor" my absolute favorite part of the movie
RIP Mike, Edgar wright sent me here
R.I.P. Mike
This documentary changed my life... Not necessarily for the better man. Oh my gosh rip Bill
Make the DVD available man. I'm tired of paying for rentals so my friends will see this amazing documentary.
Lots of good bonus material too
R.i.p Mike!
God Bless Mike.
Rest in peace Mike
Greatest film of all time.
Inspirational. Touching. Pure entertainment. WATCH IT!
This reminds me of my life , I'm still trying to get my crew back together to Finish the film we started , too bad they hate me and don't want to be friends with me anymore . Being an independent director in high school sucks alot
wolf zilla You're in now, not tomorrow. Certainly Now turns into all the days of the week because it *is* in every day of the week, though work on your nowness; keep thinking of living in the moment. Procrastination = Procrastinari (in its latin origins) and that means "Pro Tomorrow" meaning "I'll do it tomorrow" instead of now on some level. You're thinking of making a film so you're already working on it on some level.
Eh everyone is just a dick
+wolf zilla I would help you
Speaking as someone who is also an independent director in high school whose friends hate him, yes I agree IT REALLY SUCKS
Not even in film class they listen
Rock in Peace Mike 🤘😞
One of my favorite movies 😊
I'm not the type to massively collect DVDs of movies and documentaries, but I made it a point to own this one.
waiting for Adam Driver to do movie of making of this movie.
Shame there was no kickstarter then....
If this movie does not inspire you, nothing ever will.
Reat easy ,Mike
I love this film. It's in my heart and will never leave. Every time I watch it I get inspired. I make my living in the independent film world. The one thing that's always struck me really odd is when Mark is recording the first speech of the film. Why doesn't he just let his uncle read it off a page. I mean, he's not filming him? Doesn't that seem weird?
Probably my favorite move of all time.
I have an amazing story. One day I was driving home, when all of a sudden the Lord came to me in spirit. I felt very close to Him. I knew if I asked him to play any song on the radio he would, I guess to bless my faith.
So I said "ok, Lord play "Come as you are by Nirvana".
I turned on the radio and the song started playing right there on the spot, perfectly…
I started getting flooded with chills like a waterfall, crying, and trembling.
He stayed with me for 10 minutes in my driveway. until I got outta the car.
A couple months after that I started getting amazing prayers answered way more often, because it helped me quit doubting when I pray and I was lined up with biblical instructions. It's 6 years later and I still get answered prayers in Jesus name.
Thats a pretty shitty story man.
@@zachshalack4205 You're so mean!! Take THIS!!!!!
🐣 💣💨 👋 🐔
💥
Why do you hate my testimony, Shlem? I have actual, tangible evidences that God is real, and Jesus is God. Why don't you care!?
We've had 4 people healed from stage 4 cancer at one church I go to for goodness sake, Shlem! 🫵🧨💥
"it's alright, it's OK! there's something to live for - Jesus told me so!"
Its so strange that the movie about making a movie got more famous that the actual movie they were making
American Movie has a cult following and is available on multiple streaming platforms while the movie they were making
"Coven" is only available on vhs on an obscure movie site
Actually Chris smith got famous and rich after. The people in the documentary did not make the documentary.
I remember when this movie came out. I was thinking about watching it because of my love of indie movies and seeing the film making process. Its been a quarter of a century and I still have yet to watch this movie, I kind of forgot about it in a sence, but recently thought about it again.
My fav documentary ever.
So sad to hear about Mike's passing recently
The greatest , most romantic , funniest film of all time.
BEST DOCUMENTARY EVER, PERIOD.
This movie has all the f-stops known to man. 10/10
'You think when Jesus was hangin' up dare on the cross he thought it was natural???'
Everyone should watch American Movie, it's one of the funniest movies/documentaries I have ever watched. It's a must.
I showed this trailer to a friend and he can’t believe it’s a real documentary
I love you, Mike.
Was that "Fight Fire with Fire" on an acoustic guitar in the background? lol.
cory_i yep, the movie seems very odd but I came here because James Hetfield played the "Fight Fire With Fire" in acoustic
I was gonna say the same thing
I think it is lol. Good ear
I’m obsessed with this trailer
Rip Mike 😔
Wow. What a wonderful film. I assumed it was a perfectly pulled-off MOCKumentary but, no, it's all real! Even better.
R.I.P
One of the funniest movies ever.
Excellent movie, definitely worth watching.
Best documentary ever!!
Rip Mike . Love this film and coven
“Do they smoke cigarettes in heaven? I don’t think so... I don’t think so...”
My buddy Blake turned me on to this one..lol it's a riot
1:24 It's alright ...... (best scene ever ... take 3 million)
0:51 he has return of the living dead part 2 shirt 🧟♂️
Mark is one great dude.
is that an acoustic version of fight fire with fire! sick dudes
Watch "American Movie" then the documentary "Overnight." Fascinating comparison. Both stories took place roughly at the same time.
RIP Schank
This film was fucking brilliant (y) awkwardly awesome
Came here after watching Jimmy's video
R.i.P Mike
RIPRIG Mike
this movie is funny and great
So, this is a real documentary? It's not a fakeumentary, like Comic Book: The Movie or The Independent?
Such a good film
Crazy Joel Rifkin was a director before he got caught
lol what? The serial killer? How was he the director?
@@daddydog9275 heheh he looks exactly like Rifkin
We'll change his name to Todd.
Love the CP-16s! I have one too!
This doc is amazing!!
Mark is Frodo and Mike was Sam Gamgee.
I see a lot of people saying "This movie is great. Definitely deserves watching". Are you talking about American Movie, the documentary? Or the movie the director made, Coven? Because I am really interested in watching the one you're talking about. Might end up watching both, though. But I wanna know first. Which are you talking about?
NejoShow American Movie ;)
We win Big! 🏆!
He is!
Awesome
excellent
It was a more optimistic time. That's for sure
Fight Fire With Fire..
The ending is near
WHERE CAN I WATCH THIS PLS
Has anyone heard of the documentary called "Elliot"? its a movie that is very similarto American movie only the main character is a pathological liar ??