Watch Carnal Knowledge

Carnal Knowledge is a critically acclaimed movie from 1971 directed by Mike Nichols, starring Jack Nicholson, Candice Bergen, and Art Garfunkel. The film was highly controversial upon its release, as it explores complex themes such as sexual relationships, male identity, and societal expectations. The story follows two college roommates, Jonathan (Jack Nicholson) and Sandy (Art Garfunkel), and their respective relationships with women over a period of several decades. Both men struggle with their own insecurities and the pressures of society, leading them to engage in various sexual exploits.

Jonathan is depicted as a womanizer who seeks out sexual relationships with a series of different women, never forming any deep emotional connections. However, he is haunted by the memory of his first sexual experience, which he feels was a failure. This insecurity drives him to continue pursuing women, hoping to prove himself as a desirable and capable lover.

Sandy, on the other hand, is more reserved and neurotic. He falls in love with Susan (Candice Bergen), a beautiful but emotionally guarded woman who he spends several years in a tumultuous relationship with. Despite their intense connection, Sandy is unable to fully connect with Susan on a deeper level, causing their relationship to eventually fall apart.

Throughout the film, the characters grapple with societal expectations of gender roles and sexual norms. Jonathan and Sandy both struggle with the pressures of masculinity, seeking validation through their sexual conquests. Meanwhile, the women in their lives are similarly affected by societal expectations, struggling to reconcile their own desires with the expectations placed upon them.

The movie was highly regarded for its nuanced portrayal of complex relationships and themes, as well as its frank depiction of sexual relationships. It was considered a groundbreaking film upon its release, and continues to be revered as a classic.

The performances by the cast are all exceptional, with Jack Nicholson in particular delivering a career-defining performance as Jonathan. Candice Bergen is equally impressive, conveying a wide range of emotions through her portrayal of Susan.

The film's score, composed by Simon and Garfunkel, perfectly captures the film's somber tone and sets the mood for the various scenes.

All in all, Carnal Knowledge is a must-see film for those interested in exploring complex themes of sexuality, identity, and societal expectations. Its impact on the film industry and popular culture is still felt to this day, and it remains a timeless classic of cinema.

Carnal Knowledge is a 1971 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 77.