runamokprods
Both an unsettling horror film, and a very dark comedy, this is my favorite Paul Bartel film.Avoiding the sometimes too overt self-congratulatory humor of "Eating Raoul", this story of a "nice" young girl who comes to stay at her aunt"s creepy hotel, only to be surrounded by all sorts of disturbingly depraved types frequently leaves you both laughing and cringing (in a good way) at the same time. Only the less than stellar (in fact sometimes near porn film level) acting keeps this from being a classic of disquieting, semi-surreal cinema. But there are scenes and images that stick with me, and Bartel creates a lot of atmosphere with his use of music, compositions, and light.
pesicev-macak
Unusual movie, not quite horror but also not quite black comedy either. As another reviewer said, it resembles Psycho or Peeping Tom with it's focus on psychology and even relentless presence of camera - but those themes aren't explored further, they're there just to add another touch of weirdness. On the other hand, film is also one part exploitation, with some nude scenes to oogle here and there. Psychology is the most interesting part: Cheryl is written well as a needy but neglected teenager who is creeped out by the neighbor photographer, but too flattered to resist - and what little glimpses of Aunt Martha and George we have, are interesting. Sadly, acting is below average, except for Lucille Benson who is quite good, leading actress Ayn Ruymen in particular speaks her lines as if she hears them for the first time (which adds to the exploitation feel). The ending is at the same time great and unsatisfying. The scene is cut away in the middle of final fight, and next ten minutes we are left wondering what happened next, while director taunts us with daylit scenes of two cops searching the premises - very effective way to present aftermath. On the other hand, a lot is left half-explained, and this film in particular doesn't benefit from that. The final appearance of Cheryl is a pretty cliché final twist, one that you see coming, but hope that director will have more imagination. It's an unusual and quirky film that many will find interesting, but don't expect a masterpiece.
brefane
This bizarre and entertaining cult film was Paul Bartel's first feature, and it's probably his most interesting film. Good use of seedy LA locations and an effective score by Hugo Friedhofer create a genuinely creepy atmosphere. Well cast and acted. Lucille Benson, who could easily be Norman Bates' mother,is a standout as Aunt Martha."Too nosy for her own good", runaway Cheryl Stratton investigates the various characters and rooms in her aunt's hotel, while a resident photographer spies on her; ultimately, with her knowledge and participation. Like so many films, Private Parts owes a debt to Psycho. Though the film becomes somewhat silly with the arrival of the 2 policemen near the end, it is original and compelling, and Bartel displays admirable restraint throughout. The film ends with a good last shot:Cheryl checked-in a girl, and checks-out a vicariously experienced woman. When the film opened in New York, at the now defunct First Avenue Screening Room, The New York Times' reviewed it favorably. Happily, it has finally been released on DVD with the trailer. Definitely worth checking out. "Follow Cheryl as she leads you through the darkest corridors of your mind", you'll be glad you did.
EyeAskance
A runaway bad-girl touches ground at an urban hellhole...a residence hotel owned and operated by her kindly, but captious and set-in-her-ways, Aunt Martha. The tenants of the hotel are a curious bunch, among them a senile old bat, a gay transvestite priest, and a handsome, mysterious photographer with a secret that's darker than pitch. An unidentified psychotic killer is active among them, as well...before long, Aunt Martha's hotel has several unexpected vacancies.A steady momentum of shocks and a vague, peculiar climax help to make PRIVATE PARTS something rather special. Splendidly perverse creative gusto which could only have escaped from the bizarre mind of the sorely missed Paul Bartel...this is a very unusual picture, infused with brooding atmosphere and deftly appointed in every aspect of it's poverty-line production.8/10
AD
