The Decline of the American Empire

A talky, witty ensemble piece that feels like eavesdropping on smart, self-absorbed friends whose sexual confessions turn unexpectedly sharp.

Directed by

Denys Arcand

Genres

Comedy, Drama

Starring

Dominique Michel, Dorothée Berryman, Louise Portal

Tagline

A spontaneously funny sex comedy!

Overview

Four very different Montreal university teachers gather at a rambling country house to prepare a dinner. Remy (married), Claude (a homosexual), Pierre (involved with a girlfriend) and Alain (a bachelor) discuss sex, the female body and their affairs with them. Meanwhile, their four female guests, Louise (Remy's wife of 15 years), Dominique (a spinster), Diane (a divorcée) and Danielle (Pierre's girlfriend) are spending the time at a downtown health gym. They also discuss sex, the female body and, naturally, men. Later in the evening, they finally meet at the country house and have dinner. A ninth guest, named Mario, who used to know Diane, drops in on the group for some talk and has a surprise of his own.

How it feels

Satirical, cynical, warm and melancholic. Measured and needs your attention.

About

Sexuality, betrayal, identity, class

Content

Strong sexual content and language. No violence or gore.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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Watch the trailer on YouTube (opens in a new tab)