This week on The 80s Movie Podcast, host Edward Havens explores Paul Bartel’s 1982 cult film Eating Raoul.
Paul and Mary Bland dream of opening a restaurant. But their plan to pay for it turns to murder.
First, we trace Bartel’s early fascination with movies and animation, from his time at UPA through UCLA and low-budget filmmaking.
Then we follow Bartel and writer Richard Blackburn as they develop the story. They make the film on a small budget with borrowed equipment and help from friends and family.
Meanwhile, we look at performances by Mary Woronov, Robert Beltran, Ed Begley Jr., Buck Henry, Edie McClurg, and Susan Saiger.
Next, we track the movie from its Park City premiere through theatrical expansion, critical reception, and home video.
Finally, we explore Bartel’s later career and the making and release history that shaped this distinctive 1980s independent film.