Carnal Knowledge (1971)

One of the most controversial movies of its time, this "thought-provoking" (Leonard Maltin) comedy-drama from legendary director Mike Nichols (The Birdcage) is a funny, poignant look at relationships as seen through the eyes of two friends over a 20-year period. Superbly crafted by playwright Jules Feiffer, Carnal Knowledge is brimming with touching insights, sexy banter and powerful performances by three-time OscarÂ(r) winner* Jack Nicholson, Ann-Margaret, Candice Bergen and pop music icon Arthur Garfunkel. Jonathan (Nicholson) and Sandy (Garfunkel) are college roommates who share an endless fascinationand obsessionwith women. As time goes by, their relentless pursuit for the joys of the flesh becomes more competitive...and more damaging. Soon, Jonathan and Sandy's lives become a vicious circle of girls, booze and unfulfillment, and they realize only too late thatin the war of the sexesthey are their own worst enemy. *1997: Actor,As Good As It Gets; 1983: Supporting Actor, Terms of Endearment; 1975: Actor, One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest

"Sandy, do you wanna get laid?"

"Carnal Knowledge" (1971) directed by Mike Nichols with Jack Nicholson, Art Garfunkel, Candice Bergen, Ann-Margret in an Oscar nominated performance as a sex kitten who wants to marry Nicholson's Jonathan, and Carol Kane and Rita Moreno in the small roles is one of the movies that made 70s so memorable. It is also the movie that keeps reminding me why I love Jack Nicholson of his early years and how grand he was without his "Jackness" which he has developed during all these years. Sandy (Garfunkel) and Jonathan are two college friends and like every straight young (and not too young) man in the world they are obsessed by girls and move from one relationship to another in the course of almost thirty years. Nichols and Jules Feiffer who wrote the play and later adapted it for the screen let us look inside the minds and souls of two educated upper-middle class white males and to learn their very intimate thoughts and secrets concerning their plentiful dysfunctional and joyless affairs and it is not a pretty picture - "Boys begin life not liking girls, later they don't change, they just get horny." The film is honest, uncomfortable, "very slick, very clever". April 17, 2007

Seinfeld - 1971

I rented this and was pleasantly shocked. A very mature movie with genuinely great dialogue. The banter and over analysis by each character truly is Seinfeldian and I'm sure YEARS ahead of its time. The use of the camera is also delectible; often you will hear conversations by characters off screen while the camera is focused on someone merely "listening". Often a character will be looking straight at the camera (YOU) while they are speaking to another making you feel like you are more connected to the movie. And of course Jack has a big tirade that brings the house down!

The only unfortunate aspects are Candice Bergen disappearing midway through and an ending that was less than fulfilling. A perfect rental and a good buy; if your a Jack fan it's good, if your a fan of thoughtful conversation it's a MUST! And I hear that "Arthur" Garfunkel fella has a side project... something to do with.. music? And a decent actor to boot. January 9, 2007

"You Can't Have Me, I Already Have Me" ~' '70's Narcissism At Its Zenith

'Carnal Knowledge' released in '71 tells the story of two friends obsessed with themselves and their personal sexual fantasies and desires.

Jonathan (Jack Nickelson) has no problem getting the ladies into bed, his problem is communicating verbally with them after the great event. Ao the other hand Sandy (Art Garfunkel) is an accomplished communicator but is unable to make the transition from friend to sex partner with his girlfriend Susan (Candice Bergen).

This is narcissism and '70's nihilism at its zenith. The film does deliver strong performances , but the subject matter and the spiraling negativism is a little hard to endure. One of the main draws of this movie is Ann-Margret who looks fantastic, it's worth a viewing just for her. September 7, 2006

One of the top 10 of all time

This was a ground breaking movie for 1971. THey not only talked about sex, but you saw ann margaret topless. But thats only a minor issue. You become immersed thinking you are there for the 98 minutes. It moves along at a fast pace and the acting, oh the acting. Nicholson is at his classic best. He mesmerizes and garfunkel acts like he has been acting for 30 years. amazing. its not a comedy. why others say it is baffles me. its a rather dark look at two people, one never happy who treats relationships like gutter garbage and one who is more softer and kinder who at times is led astray by the other. What can I say. its riveting movie making. and a true classic. DONT MISS IT. August 28, 2006

Brilliantly Funny but Sad Look at 70's Sex

The comedy isn't broad enough to make repeat viewings of CARNAL KNOWLEDGE very much fun, the characters are too riddled with the flaws and twisted desires of genuine people to make them great personalities, and the dysfunction of the relationships hardly gets any "rooting interest" going for anyone--but this movie still feels funny and real over thirty-some years later.

The performances are great, the writing extremely sharp. Jack Nicholson's selfish hedonistic heel is hilarious and his pointy eyebrows and mischevious grins perfectly embody his character. From his bellowing tirades to his bitter but funny "slideshow," he's great fun to watch.

Art Garfunkel plays a great sad sack romantic and Candace Bergen brings a genuine depth to the girl torn between them.

If anyone stands out, it has to be Ann Margaret, baring body and soul in her role as Nicholson's sex kitten.

I've always believed that the 1970's was the last great period of movies. CARNAL KNOWLEDGE is one of the reasons why.

July 31, 2006

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