Director Watch Podcast Ep. 83 – ‘Carnal Knowledge’ (Mike Nichols, 1971) with Special Guest Andrew Carden

Welcome to Director Watch! On this AwardsWatch podcast, co-hosts Ryan McQuade and Jay Ledbetter attempt to breakdown, analyze, and ultimately, get inside the mind of some of cinema’s greatest auteurs. In doing so, they will look at their filmographies, explore what drives them artistically and what makes their decision making process so fascinating. Add in a few silly tangents and a fun game at the end of the episode and you’ve got yourself a podcast we truly hope you love. On episode 83 of the Director Watch Podcast, the boys are joined by Awards Connection writer Andrew Carden to discuss the next film in their Mike Nichols series, Carnal Knowledge (1971).

After starting off on a hot streak with his first two films, Mike Nichols hit a bit of bad luck for his third film, with an adaptation of the renowned novel Catch-22. Considering it was released after the smash hit that was Robert Altman’s M*A*S*H, audiences didn’t respond to the film at all, but the following year, audience did discuss Nichols’ fourth film, the controversial Carnal Knowledge. Focusing on the troubled relationship between two men who meet in college, become friends, and their journey through the sexual relationships they have and share along the way. Might sound like a simple summary but the film is far thornier with the way these men and their relationship with each other and others evolve as the film plays out; making for a fascinating film. Ryan, Jay, and Andrew break down their thoughts on the film, Nicholson’s unhinged performance, the idea of an unlikeable protagonist, Ann-Margret’s vulnerable work, the film’s battle with censorship, the final, controversial scene of the movie, and more.

You can listen to the Director Watch Podcast wherever you stream podcasts, from iTunes, iHeartRadio, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music and more.

This podcast runs 1h45m. The guys will be back next week to continue their series on the films of Mike Nichols with a review of his next film, Silkwood. You can rent it via iTunes and Amazon Prime rental in preparation for the next episode of Director Watch. Till then, let’s get into it.

Music: MUSICALIFE, from Pond5 (intro) and “B-3” from BoxCat Games Nameless: The Hackers RPG Soundtrack (outro)

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Ryan McQuade

Ryan McQuade is the AwardsWatch Executive Editor and a film-obsessed writer in San Antonio, Texas. Raised on musicals, westerns, and James Bond, his taste in cinema is extremely versatile. He’s extremely fond of independent releases and director’s passion projects. Engrossed with all things Oscars, he hosts the AwardsWatch Podcast. He also is co-host of the Director Watch podcast. When he’s not watching movies, he’s rooting on all his favorite sports teams, including his beloved Texas Longhorns. You can follow him on Twitter at @ryanmcquade77.

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