Carnal Knowledge **** (1971, Jack Nicholson, Candice Bergen, Ann-Margret, Art Garfunkel) – Classic Movie Review 2878

Director Mike Nichols’s grown-up 1971 film drama stars Jack Nicholson, Art Garfunkel, Candice Bergen and Ann-Margret. It is based on a witty screenplay by renowned humourist Jules Feiffer, from his then unproduced play. Feiffer pitched the concept to Nichols as a theatre project, but he said: ‘I see it as a movie.’

That is the foundation of this clever, once modish, still adult film from director Nichols about the long-term friendship of Jonathan (Nicholson) and Sandy (Garfunkel) from bright-eyed college kids as roommates attending Amherst College to middle-aged angst, following their sexual lives. Sensitive Sandy meets Susan, while sexually aggressive Jonathan ends up losing his virginity to Myrtle.

First-rate playing from the stars (unexpectedly so in singer Art Garfunkel’s case) but Candice Bergen (Susan), Ann-Margret (Bobbie) and Rita Moreno (Louise) are almost as attractive as the women in their lives. In fact, the show-stopping, scene-stealing Ann-Margret was Oscar nominated as Nicholson’s vulnerable mistress.

Also in the cast are Carol Kane and Cynthia O’Neal

In creating a smart movie, Nichols profits from choosing two of the best names in the business – cinematographer Giuseppe Rotunno and production designer Richard Sylbert.

© Derek Winnert 2015 Classic Movie Review 2878

Check out more reviews on http://derekwinnert.com