Review of Carnal Knowledge (1971) by Alex L — 28 Aug 2009

This movie is quite far ahead of its time in a lot of ways, so I find it difficult to compare it to the other works of its generation. Like Mike Nichols's The Graduate, this one is groundbreaking in terms of its sexual depictions.

But in some ways it's even more powerful than The Graduate. It's laced with Oscar-worthy performances, directed with Nichols's trademark grace and style, and written like a Woody Allen film with grit.

Feiffer's script is not overly focused on profound subtext or contemporary examination. Instead, he blatantly depicts two clueless, rather chauvinist men desperately attempting to engage in fulfilling relationships with women.

An exciting and absorbing film experience.