Carnal Knowledge (1971)
Ann-Margret, Art Garfunkel, Candice Bergen, Carol Kane, Cynthia O'Neal ... (see more) , Jack Nicholson , Rita Moreno
Still hot from the success of Easy Rider and Five Easy Pieces, Jack Nicholson solidified his reputation as the brightest star of the New Hollywood movement when he appeared in this 1971 drama, written by Jules Feiffer and directed by Mike Nichols. The film received mixed reviews, but remains fascina... (read more) Still hot from the success of Easy Rider and Five Easy Pieces, Jack Nicholson solidified his reputation as the brightest star of the New Hollywood movement when he appeared in this 1971 drama, written by Jules Feiffer and directed by Mike Nichols. The film received mixed reviews, but remains fascinating for its subject matter--the sexual attitudes and activities of two male friends from their college days to middle age--and the performances of its stellar cast. Nicholson is the former athlete-turned-tax-lawyer with a fetish for well-endowed women (which explains why Ann-Margret plays his mistress), and Art Garfunkel is the shy, mild-mannered one who becomes a doctor, marries Candice Bergen, and has an affair with Carol Kane. Over the course of nearly 30 years, we see how their lives and attitudes are reflected through their sexual histories, and it's not pretty. The film deals frankly (and some will say depressingly) with the ways in which people use each other for sex, and this doesn't exactly make for rousing (or even arousing) entertainment. But with Nichols directing a cast of this caliber, Carnal Knowledge remains one of the signature films of the early 1970s, when established Hollywood traditions were giving way to the emergence of more daring films with bolder "adult" themes. --Jeff Shannon
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R, 106 min.
Directed by:
Mike Nichols
Release Date: Jan 01, 1971
DVD Release Date: May 15, 2001
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Nobody really talks about this one nowadays, probably because the movie is all dialogue and it isn't the sexy, biting, juicy dialogue like in Nichols first movie 'Who's Affraid of Viriginia Woolf' This deals with men and women, and the distance betwe... (read more) Nobody really talks about this one nowadays, probably because the movie is all dialogue and it isn't the sexy, biting, juicy dialogue like in Nichols first movie 'Who's Affraid of Viriginia Woolf' This deals with men and women, and the distance between them. How these characters see the opposite sex as objects(all forms, not just physical or sex) The performances are fantastic. Nicholson is at the top of his game here. Margret and Bergen are very good. Art Garfunkel is brilliantly cast, he's perfect for this role.
a pretty bleak view on love, relationships, and sex. and some pretty good acting, too. with jack nicholson, that's sort of inevitable
Jack Nicholson gives his best pre-Chinatown performance in this fascinating drama about sexual attitudes. A great movie for anyone that's loved, or wants to love.
To my carnal knowledge this was one of Nicholson's best works in his illustrious career. A well thought out sexual drama and about its norms that isn't dull to watch at all.
Mike Nichols proved in this film, as he did in future works such as "Closer" and "Angels in America" that he has a unique skill in adapting plays for the screen. Jules Feiffer's thought-provoking, observant, well written examination of the attitudes ... (read more) Mike Nichols proved in this film, as he did in future works such as "Closer" and "Angels in America" that he has a unique skill in adapting plays for the screen. Jules Feiffer's thought-provoking, observant, well written examination of the attitudes of two men towards women and sex proves ideal fodder for Nichols. He directs with a detached, clinical precision, often using dark colors to create a moody, unpleasant look. Ann-Margret is a sexy standout in the cast; her limited skills are put to good use. The film does not go down easily, and hardly warrants a repeat viewing. However, it has a lingering effect on the viewer.
Awesome cast: Particularly Nicholson and Margret. They command every frame in which they appear, even when apart. Nichols' direction is tight, and Feiffer's screenplay is utterly brilliant. The film is excellent, but much like its characters, it seem... (read more) Awesome cast: Particularly Nicholson and Margret. They command every frame in which they appear, even when apart. Nichols' direction is tight, and Feiffer's screenplay is utterly brilliant. The film is excellent, but much like its characters, it seems to struggle in finding itself through the third act.
What's worse than a miserable man who can never find happiness? Someone who is willing to give up anything to be just like him. Great plot, great actors. The movie is a bit boring at times, but definitely a must see. Even though this movie is almost ... (read more) What's worse than a miserable man who can never find happiness? Someone who is willing to give up anything to be just like him. Great plot, great actors. The movie is a bit boring at times, but definitely a must see. Even though this movie is almost 40 years old, I still know men who are just like Jonathan and Sandy.
Great character study about relationships and infidelity. Nicholson is great in it and Ann Margaret is especially impressive in this. Mike Nichols doesn't disappoint.
Cruel and humourless film that is as much Dick Sylbert's as Nichols'. It all looks commonplace great: furtive young love in a wood, sexless domesticated hell, notions of NYC at a glance. But writer Feiffer's ingrown adolescence betrays any real devel... (read more) Cruel and humourless film that is as much Dick Sylbert's as Nichols'. It all looks commonplace great: furtive young love in a wood, sexless domesticated hell, notions of NYC at a glance. But writer Feiffer's ingrown adolescence betrays any real development in the Garfunkel and Nicholson characters (women here are only plot devices) and sadly the film has as much to say about male-female relationships as a locker-room pissing contest. Marginal.
Un genre de "graduate" qui s'encanaille suivi sur deux decennies
Trente ans avant "Closer" Mike Nichols essaie de dissequer la conjugalité face a la sexualite. Pas mal
Critic Reviews
Stays within the universe of its characters, and inhabits it totally. And within that universe, men and woman fail to find sexual and personal happiness because they can't break through their patterns of treating each other as objects.full review
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