Carnal Knowledge
1971 · Movie · 98 min · ★ 6.6 · 83% critics
Two lifelong friends look for connection through a string of complex sexual encounters and emotional entanglements. As decades pass, their choices clash with societal norms and their own desires, leading to relationship games, discomfort, and a constant struggle for something more fulfilling.
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Details
- Years
- 1971
- Release date
- 1971-06-30
- Language
- English
- Runtime
- 98 min
- Max quality
- HD
- Critic score
- 83/100
- TMDB rating
- 6.6/10 (224 votes)
About
If you want an adult, boundary-pushing relationship study like Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice or The Last Picture Show, you may be interested; Not for you if you dislike provocative sex talk, find unsympathetic characters hard to watch, or want a more comforting romance.
Pros: frank adult relationships; strong performances; bold for its era | Cons: characters feel unlikable; emotionally bleak tone; can feel one-sided
Themes
- infidelity
- new york city
- eroticism
- coming of age
- friends
- extramarital affair
- sexual confusion
- sexual awakening
- college friends
- college roommate
- comedy of manners
Awards & recognition
- Academy Award — Best Supporting Actress · 1972 · nominated
Cast & crew
Jack Nicholson
as Jonathan
Candice Bergen
as Susan
Art Garfunkel
as Sandy
Ann-Margret
as Bobbie
Rita Moreno
as Louise
- CO
Cynthia O'Neal
as Cindy
Carol Kane
as Jennifer
- SJ
Sheri Jackson
as Mama
Directed by Mike Nichols