Watch The Wild World of Ted V. Mikels

The Wild World of Ted V. Mikels is an American documentary film from 2008 that delves into the life and work of the unconventional and eccentric filmmaker Ted V. Mikels. Directed by Kevin Sean Michaels, the documentary takes us on a journey through the unique career of Mikels, who became known for creating low-budget, independent films that often pushed the boundaries of censorship.

Narrated by John Waters, and featuring interviews with Mikels' friends, family, and colleagues, as well as archival footage and clips from his films, The Wild World of Ted V. Mikels provides insight into Mikels' creative process and the challenges he faced as an outsider in the film industry.

The documentary presents a vivid portrait of a man who was fascinated with the weird and the wonderful, and who never shied away from experimenting with his art. We learn about Mikels' early life, his service as a pilot in World War II, and his foray into filmmaking in the 1950s. The film traces his career over several decades, highlighting the movies that brought him both acclaim and notoriety.

One of the most famous films in Mikels' career is The Astro-Zombies (1968), which mixed horror, science fiction, and espionage in a gritty and visually stunning way. The documentary provides a fascinating look into the making of The Astro-Zombies, revealing the ingenious techniques that Mikels used to create the film's eerie atmosphere on a shoestring budget.

Another highlight of the documentary is the section on Mikels' collaborations with the iconic actress Tura Satana. Satana, who starred in Mikels' cult classic film Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! (1965), was one of the most badass actresses of her time, and her fearless performances inspired generations of actresses who followed in her footsteps. The Wild World of Ted V. Mikels pays tribute to Satana's talent and charisma, and shows how her partnership with Mikels helped to create some of the most memorable moments in B-movie history.

The documentary also explores the challenges that Mikels faced as an independent filmmaker working outside the Hollywood system. Mikels' films often pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable in terms of violence, sex, and content, and as a result, he faced numerous obstacles from censors and distributors who tried to suppress his work. However, Mikels remained determined to tell his stories in his own way, and the documentary portrays him as a pioneer who paved the way for other independent filmmakers to follow.

Overall, The Wild World of Ted V. Mikels is a fascinating look at a legendary filmmaker whose influence on the B-movie genre is undeniable. With its mixture of insightful interviews, archival footage, and rare behind-the-scenes glimpses, the documentary provides a comprehensive overview of Mikels' life and career, and reveals the passion and dedication that drove him to create some of the most innovative and daring films of his time.

The Wild World of Ted V. Mikels is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 8 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.