Carnal Knowledge (1971)

In the throbbing heart of the late 1940s, Carnal Knowledge unveils the parallel sexual journeys of two best friends, Jonathan and Sandy, whose lives are woven with the sexual norms of their epoch and their temperaments. Sharing a room at Amherst College, the duo embarks on a quest for their ideal women, their desires as divergent as their personalities. Sandy, sensitive and inexperienced, crosses paths with Susan at a social mixer. He meticulously navigates the path towards intimacy, cautious of Susan's desires, yet lacking genuine passion. Jonathan, on the other hand, is the more sexually assertive one, surrendering his virginity to the elusive Myrtle, who soon becomes his secret lover. As they witness each other's relationships, the duo aspires for a taste of what the other possesses, setting the tone for their future romantic endeavors. As time unfurls, they find themselves tethered to dissatisfaction, eternally longing for the other's experiences. Sandy finds himself entwined with the dominating Cindy, while Jonathan gets involved with the stunning model-actress Bobbie, whose life spirals into chaos due to her relationship with him. Despite their successful professional lives, they find themselves weary of their partners, their lives becoming a carousel of fleeting affairs. The film chronicles their sexual journey as they navigate through the labyrinth of love and lust, with Jonathan's cynicism and Sandy's sensitivity painting a vivid picture of the era's sexual mores. Their paths, divergent yet intertwined, lead them towards a conclusion that none of them anticipated, leaving them in a whirlpool of unfulfilled desires and fleeting satisfaction. Carnal Knowledge is a vibrant portrayal of two friends' exploration of their sexual identities, the women who shape them, and the consequences of their choices. The film's narrative traverses through their lives, offering an intriguing glimpse into the complexity of relationships and the perpetual human yearning for what remains just beyond grasp.

Carnal Knowledge is a drama movie featuring Jack Nicholson.

It is possible to rent Carnal Knowledge on Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies and YouTube.