American Detective Poster

American Detective 1999

★ 10.01 votes77 min📅 1999-06-14

"Be Your Own Boss"

In *American Detective (1999)*, directed by Dan Brown, an endearingly quirky outsider crafts a life as a mail-order private investigator—only to stumble into an awkwardly sweet obsession with the object of his affection.

Director: Dan Brown

Cast

Jonny Mars
Jonny Mars
Owen Mercer
Bill Wise
Bill Wise
Ed Hayes
Juliana Sheffield
Catherine
Matt Carmody
Carl
Jana Lee Brockman
Julie
Mike Mitchell
Mike Mitchell
Urban Guy #1
David Blackwell
David Blackwell
Larry Williams
Ricardo Azulay
Police Detective
Mike Woolf
Valet
Tim Bauer
Urban Guy #2

Frequently Asked Questions

What is American Detective (1999) about?

The film follows an awkward loner who reinvents himself as a mail-order private investigator, only to take his newfound role a little too literally when he becomes fixated on the woman of his dreams. It's a blend of misguided romance and cringe-worthy detective work that keeps audiences on their toes.

Who directed American Detective?

Dan Brown directed *American Detective (1999)*, bringing a unique sensibility to this offbeat comedy-drama.

Who stars in American Detective?

The film features Jonny Mars, Bill Wise, Juliana Sheffield, Matt Carmody, and Jana Lee Brockman in pivotal roles.

Is American Detective (1999) worth watching?

While *American Detective* isn't a cinematic heavyweight, its offbeat charm and lighthearted take on modern romance make it a curious watch for fans of '90s indie comedies. It's not for everyone, but its heart—and its humor—are undeniably present.

How long is American Detective?

The runtime for *American Detective (1999)* is 77 minutes.

About American Detective (1999) — A Quirky Comedy-Drama About Love, Loneliness, and Mail-Order Detectiving

In *American Detective (1999)*, directed by Dan Brown, an endearingly quirky outsider crafts a life as a mail-order private investigator—only to stumble into an awkwardly sweet obsession with the object of his affection. This offbeat comedy-drama blends dry humor with heartfelt awkwardness, capturing the misadventures of a man navigating love, loneliness, and the absurdity of modern romance. The film's tone is a mix of cringe-inducing charm and gentle pathos, as our protagonist's detective aspirations clash with his romantic delusions in the most relatable way.

Set against an unassuming backdrop, *American Detective* explores themes of self-delusion, the search for connection, and the fine line between persistence and paranoia. Jonny Mars leads the cast with a performance that oscillates between endearing naïveté and unintentional creepiness, while the supporting players—including Bill Wise and Juliana Sheffield—ground the story in moments of genuine warmth. It's a film that thrives on its contradictions: a comedy that's oddly touching, a drama that's refreshingly light, and a story that feels both timeless and distinctly '90s in its quirks.