Carnal Knowledge is a 1971 drama film directed by Mike Nichols and starring Jack Nicholson and Art Garfunkel. The movie follows the lives of two college roommates, Jonathan and Sandy, as they navigate their way through their sexual experiences and relationships with women.
Jonathan is portrayed as a sex-obsessed womanizer, while Sandy is more conservative and reserved when it comes to sex. The film jumps back and forth between time periods, showing the characters in their youth and as they age.
The first half of the film focuses on Jonathan's exploits with various women, including his first girlfriend Susan, a sexually liberated artist named Bobbie, and a neurotic nurse named Cindy. Sandy, on the other hand, remains relatively inexperienced in comparison, struggling to find love and connection with women.
As the characters age, their perspectives on sex and relationships shift. Jonathan becomes increasingly cynical and bitter, while Sandy begins to embrace his desires and become more sexually active. The two men's differing views on sex and relationships ultimately lead to a falling out and an awkward reunion years later.
Throughout the film, the characters' attitudes towards sex are portrayed as being shaped by the societal norms and expectations of the time, as well as their own personal experiences and emotional baggage. The film has been praised for its frank and honest portrayal of sexuality and relationships, as well as the strong performances by Nicholson and Garfunkel.