The world gifted us Paul Bartel on 6 August 1938. But it didn’t pay off for several decades.

Like most people, I know him more as an actor than a director. That’s simply because he shows up in so many psychotronic delights. But he was a great director. He put his own stamp of films despite rarely writing them.

Today, we mostly remember Bartel for directing Eating Raoul. He also stars in it with frequent collaborator and friend Mary Woronov. The film is basically a play on film but thanks to the direction and acting, it doesn’t feel like it. Just the same, I am not inclined to watch it again and again. But it is obvious why the film is iconic. The title alone would make it so.

I’m more a fan of Lust in the Dust. With Tab Hunter and Devine, it seems like it would be a John Waters film. In fact, Waters was offered the film but he turned it down. I tend to think it is better for Bartel manning the shoot. Hard to say.

My favorite Paul Bartel film is Private Parts. But it is my kind of film. First, it’s horror. And it is seedy. And the comedy is often very uncomfortable. What’s not to like?!

Here is a very good print to watch for free:

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Private Parts (1972) poster via Wikipedia under Fair Use.