In January 1972, sheriff’s deputies arrived at the Broad Avenue Cinema in Albany, Georgia and seized Mike Nichols’ Carnal Knowledge, charging that the film violated local obscenity laws.  Within weeks, the theater’s owner was convicted of “distributing obscene material,” fined $750 and was sentenced to twelve months probation.  Although Carnal Knowledge had been hailed as an artistic triumph by critics and audiences alike, its frank, unflinching look at sex and relationships had sparked a national debate that would end in the chambers of the U.S. Supreme Court.

The film tells the story of college roommates Jonathan (Jack Nicholson) and Sandy (Art Garfunkel).  Both want to leave their mark on the world and both are frustrated virgins.  They consider sex just like college on the basis that they are being pressured into it.  On the way to a college party (and during the opening credits) they two friends talk about what they are looking for in a woman.  The sex talk is graphic but most importantly, it’s truthful.

At the party Susan (Candice Bergen) catches both men’s eye.  Jonathan “gives” Sandy a chance to pick up Susan.  At first he bombs but soon he finds himself carrying on a deep conversation.  Within the next few days Sandy and Susan begin dating.  Within a few weeks Sandy has fallen in love.  Jonathan isn’t too happy that Sandy has a girl and he doesn’t so he gives Susan a call.  Before long both friends are in love with the same woman.

After the college days Carnal Knowledge follows the two friends into their late twenties and then into their thirties.  We follow Jonathan and Sandy through marriage, sex and breakdowns.  Sandy is a caring person that easily falls for people.  Jonathan has more sexual problems relating to women.  Soon Jonathan finds the perfect woman for him.  She’s an ex-model named Bobbie (Ann-Margret) who is involved with her own emotional problems.

Carnal Knowledge is the best movie in history to deal with the friendship between two men as they grow older.  The film perfectly shows off how men think and talk about sex and relationships.  The movie is brutally honest in its sexual talk and this is what adds to making this film a classic.

The performances are all top-notch and unforgettable.  Nicholson was just starting his greatest years as an actor when he signed onto this film.     The previous year he was in the classic Five Easy Pieces and after this film he went on to classics like The King of Marvin Gardens, The Last Detail, Chinatown and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.  Nicholson’s performance here can easily match any of those films.  He brings a certain evilness to this character who will betray friendship for a one-night stand.  He’s not a very likable person but by the end of the film you can’t help but feel sorry for him.

Art Garfunkel is best known for having his name in the “Simon and…” but here he stands on his own and matches Nicholson.  You can’t help but roll you eyes at Sandy but at the same time you wish you knew someone like him. The two main women in the film nearly steal the show every time they are on screen.  Bergen is in another group of people you love and yet hate at the same time.  Ann-Margret is terrific as the depressed ex-model who only wants love out of life.  All four performances are right on the mark and should have won each of them the Academy Award.

Holding this masterpiece together is director Mike Nichols.  There is no loud action in the film but it is a film driven by dialogue.  The screenplay by Jules Feiffer is full of brutally frank talk and is some of the most natural dialogue ever written.  You have to give credit to the screenplay and the director for having the balls to make a film as honest as Carnal Knowledge. 

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lot of films to deal with men’s sexuality and this film is certainly one of the best.