About Eating Raoul

Eating Raoul is a dark comedic film released in 1982. The movie is about a frustrated couple Paul and Mary Bland who despise the 'swing' culture surrounding their apartment. By accident, they find a way to make money by killing and robbing swingers. The couple meets Raoul, a thief who also trades in dead bodies. But when Raoul sets his sights on Mary, their scam ultimately becomes a fight for survival. The film is noted for its satirical tone, which takes jabs at various aspects of 1980s popular culture.

Making / Production

The film was written and directed by Paul Bartel, who also co-stars in the movie. It was notably made on a small budget and has since gained a cult following for its unique, offbeat humor and satirical take about 1980s America.

Actors

• Paul Bartel as 'Paul Bland'. Played a wine enthusiast and a gourmet chef who despises the swingers culture.
• Mary Woronov as 'Mary Bland'. She played Paul's wife, a nurse who shares his sentiments against their sexually promiscuous neighbors.
• Robert Beltran as 'Raoul Mendoza'. Played a slick swindler who seeks to exploit the Blands' scam for his own benefit.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was made on a budget of just over $300,000.
• Paul Bartel and Mary Woronov played their characters in a later movie, 'Chopping Mall' (1986).
• The movie is filled with numerous cameos from well-known character actors.

Quotes

• "We don't invite trouble. We don't live beyond our means. We are Blands."
• "Money can't buy poverty."
• "Swinging can be very dangerous in the wrong hands."

Music, Soundtrack

• The music for Eating Raoul was composed by Arlon Ober.
• The soundtrack includes various jazz-horn tunes appropriate for the light-hearted tone.
• The movie did not have a formal soundtrack released.