Carnal Knowledge was a groundbreaking film for its frank discussion of sex and relationships. Quite honestly, its boldness still holds up in 2025. Though I’d love to hear Jack Nicholson and Art Garfunkel address apps, the basics of desire, attraction and maintaining relationships holds true. Candice Bergin and Ann-Margaret equally give complex portrayals of women, material for which remains unfortunately rare.
Considering it is dialogue driven, Carnal Knowledge is a beautiful looking film highlighted by Criterion’s new 4K UHD. From the moment Candice Bergen emerges from shadow into the college party, 4K high dynamic range exemplifies the lighting. Nicholson and Garfunkle turn the lights of fin their bedroom with only the window light. There are a lot of nighttime walks with darkness between the street lamps, and sitting in cars in a pure void.
Even when they use a projected screen backdrop for driving, they move the shadows over the faces to simulate driving.
New bonus features add worthwhile perspective, particuarly a spotlight on the film’s editing. What cuts or lack of cutting conveys is pivotal.
Biographer Mark Harris and critic Dana Stevens give an authoritative perspective now that director Mike Nichols is no longer with us. Nichols from a 2011 Lincoln Center Q&A and writer Jules Feiffer on a 2019 podcast are included.
Neil Labute is an interesting commentary. His films clearly owe a debt to Carnal Knowledge, dealing with ensembles of characters talking about relationships. LaBute talks about those influences on his specific films and the accusations of misogyny both he and Feiffer/Nichols faced. But equally, Labute gives an appreciation for unique moments in Carnal Knowledge and the craft to bring it to life.