An Interview with Filmmaker Paul Bunnell

Paul Bunnell developed a love of film at an early age that led him to work as an actor, director, and writer on countless films. Best known for his work as a director of “The Ghastly Love of Johnny X,” “The Visitant,” and “That Little Monster,” he has most recently delighted audiences with his reimagining of the missing Lon Chaney silent film, “A Blind Bargain” starring Crispin Glover.

Do you happen to remember what your very first favorite movie was? What was it about the film medium that captured your admiration and attention?

The very first movie I saw was Walt Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs back in 1967 at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood, California. I was quite young, but it was my first impression of cinema which was “magical.” After the movie ended and the curtains closed (yes, theatres had curtains back then) my eyes stayed fixated towards the screen as if in a trance. I have been in love with movies ever since. That nostalgic feeling has never left me.

Who were some of your earliest influences and what was it about their work that inspired you most?

My earliest influence was Walt Disney. Most of my films have maintained a basic innocence and classic entertainment value because of his work. While it’s always fun to delve into the darker side of storytelling from time to time, I prefer to keep my movies “family friendly” and never too ugly. I wouldn’t want to make a film I couldn’t show to my grandmother.

As someone who has worked both in front of and behind the camera do you enjoy one more than the other?

In my early years I wanted to be an actor along the lines of a Bob Hope type. I studied and went on auditions a lot in the 1980s. One day my agent noticed in the trades that I had won an award for a film I made. I was 19 at the time. She sat me down and offered me some great advice, that I should fully concentrate on either my acting career or my film making career, but not both. I eventually chose filmmaking over acting and haven’t looked back since. I’m thinking that decision should be paying off any time now.

What do you enjoy most about bringing ideas to life on screen?

I think it’s about creating a magical world removed from reality – a world where the audience can escape into a dream. It’s always fun to come up with stories that are a bit off kilter. When I want “reality” I watch the six o’clock news.

What was it about the missing Lon Chaney film, “A Blind Bargain” that made you want to reimagine it as you have? What were some of the most daunting challenges you faced in doing so?

The challenge was to come up with something that today’s audiences would find entertaining. By setting the story in 1970 I was able to create a world removed from today’s devices and just have fun with the language, costumes, and the settings. I knew audiences would find this interesting by taking a trip into the past. I didn’t want to stick with a carbon copy of the original film, but rather “reimagine” the story with a just pinch of dark humor. I think it works based on the overall audience response. I even put Lon Chaney’s image in the movie as a loving homage. See if you can find it.

Did you enjoy shooting this in 16mm? Do you think it would have the same feel if it had been shot otherwise?

It was never a question of should I shoot on film or digital since I have always shot on film. The real debate was whether or not to shoot on 35mm or Super 16 (which is higher quality than standard 16mm). I ultimately chose Super 16 to give the final film a slightly grainy look and vintage feel. I was initially skeptical but I think the final result works quite nicely and gives it the 1970s TV show quality I was going for.

Why did you decide to set the movie in the 1970’s? What about that decade appeals to you most?

Setting the story in 1970 gave me some advantages. Not having cellphones and using antiquated lab equipment gives the story some suspension of disbelief and is more in alignment with 1922 when the original film took place. 1970 gives the film a fantasy edge and allowed me to incorporate some amazing costume and production design elements. Plus, it’s just plain fun!

What was it like working with Crispin Glover as Dr. Gruder? Are you a fan of his independent films and acting work?

Crispin has been on my radar for years. I was actually on the set of BACK TO THE FUTURE and watched him film a scene with my friend Gary Riley. I had a project in development during the 1990s I had Crispin in mind for, but it never got made. After several lack luster attempts to cast the Gruder role in A BLIND BARGAIN it dawned on me that Crispin would be the ideal actor to play the part. I contacted him and he eventually said yes. Crispin comes to a project prepared and highly focused on every detail, much like myself. We got along splendidly! He adds the right amount of creepy to the Gruder role and compliments the other actors without stealing the scene. He’s a very generous actor.

Why do you think this film has often been labeled as a horror film when it isn’t? What are your feelings on that?

I’m okay with that as long as the audience comes away entertained. For the record, I never set out to make A Blind Bargain a horror film. I always saw it as a psychological drama – part mystery and part weird, with just a dash of humor – much like the old Night Gallery TV show. Ultimately, the audience will decide what it is and what it means to them. Everyone will take away something different, that’s the beauty of abstract cinema.

Were you surprised by how the film has been received so far?

Every audience is different. It really all depends on the energy in the theatre or the experience you have depending on where you watch it. It’s always best to eliminate distractions when watching any movie to have the maximum experience. A lot of folks watch films passively these days, due in part to distractions of electronic devices and such. I have found the best experience for watching a movie is to see it in a theatre. Whether alone or with a bunch of friends, the key thing is find a way to let the film come into your mind. Cinema can take you to fantastical places if you can give into it and let your psyche to the rest.

Are there plans to release this particular title to streaming platforms any time soon?

Yes. After recently completing our nationwide theatrical release in theatre chains like AMC and Alamo Drafthouse, we are finalizing talks with a distributor to bring the A BLIND BARGAIN to TVOD (TV On Demand) and other major streaming platforms, including a special edition Blu-ray release from Film Masters.

Do you have a dream project you’d most like to bring into existence?

I have a few projects ready to go like my TINY TIM bio-pic and a retro sci-fi project called ROCKET GIRL. It ultimately depends on finding the financing, which is always the challenge.

What projects can fans of your work look forward to next?

You never know what might come down the pike. A BLIND BARGAIN was not a movie I had planned to make, but the opportunity presented itself and I decided to go for it. For those interested in my magnum opus THE GHASTLY LOVE OF JOHNNY X, it will be coming out on a special limited edition Blu-ray from Film Masters on October 27th. It comes with a bonus soundtrack CD featuring Ego Plum’s beautiful score. In addition, my 1994 film THAT LITTLE MONSTER is coming to Blu-ray for the first time later this year from Bleeding Skull. Lots to see here in the coming year!