A 1922 Lost Film Returns in a 1970s Reimagining
A new indie psychological thriller, A Blind Bargain, starring Crispin Glover, is entering limited theatrical release, revisiting the long-lost 1922 silent horror film associated with Lon Chaney. Directed by Paul Bunnell, the film shifts the story into a stylized, countercultural 1970 setting.
Watch the trailer for the film at the end of this article.
The story centers on Dominic Fontaine (Jake Horowitz), a Vietnam War veteran struggling with addiction and debt. In search of a way out, he enters a deal that places his mother in the care of Dr. Gruder (Glover), a physician conducting controversial experiments aimed at reversing aging.
The film also stars Lucy Loken, Annalisa Cochrane, Amy Wright, Sean Whalen, Jed Rowen and Rob Mayes. The screenplay is by John E. Falotico and Bunnell.
Shot on Kodak Film: A 35mm Throwback
Shot on Kodak film and presented in 35mm in select theaters, A Blind Bargain leans into an analog aesthetic that complements its 1970 setting—an increasingly uncommon choice in contemporary indie filmmaking.
From Lost Lon Chaney Film to Modern Psychological Thriller
The original 1922 A Blind Bargain remains one of silent cinema’s most sought-after lost films, known today primarily through archival remnants and historical accounts. The new version draws on that legacy while reframing it for modern genre audiences.
Release Dates and Festival Recognition
The film opened in New York City on April 24 and premiered in Los Angeles on May 8, with more cities expected. It has also screened at genre festivals, including a Best Feature Film win at the H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival.
