Even if the name doesn’t ring a bell, maybe you’ve seen Paul Bartel before. As an actor, he’s appeared in a lot of B-movies, mostly supporting roles. But for some, he’s the cult hero behind such quirky classics as Death Race 2000 and Eating Raoul.
Shelf Life is the last film Bartel directed before passing away in 2000, not that anyone was aware of it at the time. Made in 1993, it sat unreleased for 30 years. Now it’s on Blu-ray and DVD from the boutique label, Liberation Hall, which is great news for Bartel's fans. Those not already in-tune with his eccentricities probably shouldn’t bother.
Even then, Shelf Life has the look and feel of an unfinished film, almost like a workprint. Nor does it appear that there was a very good original negative available this transfer. Or hell, maybe it’s supposed to look like its been playing too long at a second run theater.
It’s got a neat premise, though. Following the assassination of JFK, a family of five retreat to a bomb shelter. 30 years later, both parents have since died and the kids are now grown up…but only in the physical sense. Psychologically, they are still children. Isolated from the rest of the world, everything they know and feel comes from what they remember of their parents, a few books in the shelter and periodic TV signals.
However, there isn’t much in the way of a story. Nearly the entire running time consists of Tina (O-Lan Jones), Pam (Andrea Stein) and Scotty (Jim Turner) role playing what they see and hear on television, with a few brief moments of childlike conflict interspersed here and there. 
Never play with your food.
Based on a play originally conceived by the three lead actors, Shelf Life is initially kind of interesting and occasionally funny. But once the novelty of the premise wears off, these characters are less endearing and the viewer might grow impatient waiting for some kind of significant plot development. After awhile, I found myself thinking this might have been more effective as a short subject.
Still, the performances are quite good, and considering the whole thing takes place in the dingy, cluttered confines of a bomb shelter, the production design reflects a lot of imagination. Ultimately though, historical curiosity is the film’s primary appeal. Shelf Life does not rank among Paul Bartel’s best work - not even close - but it’s nice to finally see what would be his last directorial effort. That alone makes it a must-see for some people.
EXTRA KIBBLES
FEATURETTES - American Cinematheque Q&A - This is a Zoom conference featuring actors O-Lan Jones, Andrea Stein & Jim Turner and filmmaker Alex Mechanik; Q&A with Tina, Pam & Scotty is a faux Q&A session featuring the actors in-character…in someone’s backyard.
AUDIO COMMENTARY - By actors O-Lan Jones, Andrea Stein & Jim Turner, production designer Philip Holahan and filmmaker Alex Mechanik.
TRAILERS & TEASER TRAILERS
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