The Decline of the American Empire (1986)

In the heart of the University of Montreal, a diverse group of intellectual companions plan a dinner gathering at the lakeside haven of Rémy and Louise, a couple grappling with the reality of infidelity within their two-decade-old relationship. Their rustic retreat nestles comfortably amidst the similar homes of their friends - including the recently divorced Pierre, his youthful girlfriend Danielle, the independent Dominique, the single Claude, the vivacious Diane, and the scholarly Alain. As the men delve into preparing the dinner, the women find solace in the communal spirit of a downtown gym. The thread that binds these two groups is their unabashed discourse: a candid exploration of sex and its relation to their individual lives. Yet, their intellectual roots seep into the conversation, providing a unique framework to their discussions. The evening ripens as the two groups converge for dinner, their number swelling with the addition of Mario, a brusque working-class man entangled in a vividly unconventional sexual relationship with Diane. The dynamics of their interaction, underpinned by elements of S&M, offer a fresh perspective to the gathering. As dinner bleeds into the night, the conversation is further fueled by a prerecorded interview of Dominique aired on CBC Radio earlier that day. The interview, intended to promote her latest book, presents a profound observation - the relentless pursuit of personal happiness in modern western society is subtly triggering its decline. This intricate tapestry of relationships, intellectual exchanges, and revelations, navigating through an evening and into the dawn, paints a striking portrait of contemporary society. The film, 'The Decline of the American Empire,' explores this engaging narrative, unfolding a thought-provoking exploration of love, academia, and the nuanced complexities of human relationships.

The Decline of the American Empire is a comedy movie featuring Dominique Michel and directed by Denys Arcand.

The Decline of the American Empire is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy, Tubi TV and VUDU Free and it's also available on Hoopla and OVID.

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