An experimental film examining the process of creating art, The Eighties is series of interconnected episodes about the making of Chantal Akerman’s musical Window Shopping. The progression of the film’s creation is revealed through clips of script read-throughs, casting, dress rehearsals, costume fittings, and screen tests. Akerman herself is a constant presence throughout The Eighties, and though she only steps in front of the camera occasionally, her off-screen voice directs the action. The film concludes with a twenty minute Busby Berkeley finale filmed in 35mm on location at the Toison D’Or (Golden Fleece) shopping mall in Brussels, demonstrating how the challenges of filmmaking can often be forgotten in the exhilaration of viewing the final product.