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Theoretically, "yes" - depending on the amount of detail you consider to be non-fiction.
If, for example, you consider "non-fiction" to be that everything happened exactly as it did in real life, then the answer is "shit no" - at least not for anything we would consider a real movie. Imagine, for example, that the events in "American Beauty" transpired in real life the same way they did in the movie. If, however, the color of Lester's pants is off at all, or a hair on his head is combed differently than it were in real life, or a facial expression were a bit different, then already, you technically have a condition in the movie which conflicts with the actual truth of the matter, and is, therefore, fictitious.
If, however, you're willing to concede these points, then the answer is "yes" - you just need the proper story line. Directors and actors and bigshot movie execs are always wanting to add drama or comedy or whatever. I think the most "true to life" movie I've ever seen is "Fargo" - all of those events could *very easily* happen in real life. It requries no suspension of disbelief to enjoy that movie. In fact, the difference between the people who like it and those that don't is that the former "get it" - that the movie is just normal. Nothing special happens. Those who were expecting some great ending are let down. That's the way most things in real life are.
Now, given a proper story, a non-fiction movie could be made of it that still has all the dramatic elements the American public has come to know and love. A problem exists, however, in the loss of detail and the accuracy of memories. Memory isn't accurate, so the story, as related to the film makers, is likely to be different from the actual events. If you're willing to let this bit slip...
Yes, it can be done. But, as I said, one must find a compelling enough story. They certainly do exist - one that comes immediately to mind is that of Wyatt Earp, and Kevin Costner's attempt to produce a true-to-life movie about it. There are other little dramas that are undergone every day that a movie could be made of. I'm not sure if it really happened, but consider that maybe someone who died in the WTC attack had just reconciled with their lover after having a particularly rocky relationship for a number of years. That morning, as they left for work, they left a note on their partner's bed saying something dramatic, that they could "die today and still have known real happiness" or whatever. The movie ends with the survivor coming to terms with events and moving on. Who knows. But it could definitely be done, given the proper circumstances.
Okay, I have to get back to work now. But I hope this sparks some more discussion - definitely an interesting idea.
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