February 21, 2018
Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice
Greg Vellante READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Many films feel like products of their time. Paul Mazursky's "Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice" feels like a product of an entire generation. It's a film that Pauline Kael called both "slick" and "whorey," and it's a fitting description when you consider how much this sexually charged social satire changed the game. Sending up the sexual revolution of the 1960s, "Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice" launched a new dawn of smart sex-comedies that analyzed the interpersonal relationships that exist in America. So often, comedies centered on sex are set in a protagonist's juvenile years of high school and college. It's extremely refreshing when adults are involved, just navigating themselves through the muck of love, lovemaking, sexual curiosity and overarching anxiety. In these regards, Mazursky's film is often cited as the kickoff.
A striking directorial debut by Mazursky and co-written with Larry Tucker, "Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice" follows two couples on the edge of the Eisenhower-era sexual revolution that began to gas up its engine in the early 1960s. This fantastic, fascinating quartet of characters are portrayed by Robert Culp, Natalie Wood, Elliott Gould and Dyan Cannon, all of whom bring their own unique quirks to an ensemble that, ultimately, is perfect whilst together. Sharp and spirited dialogue gives the actors plenty to work with, and their performances truly sizzle as this satire twists and turn into various forms.
With its new, limited edition Blu-ray release from Twilight Time Movies, "Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice" offers more bonus features that the release company normally includes. As always, there is an isolated music track, but there are also two separate audio commentaries. The first comes from film historians Julie Kirgo and Nick Redman, while the latter is recorded with Mazursky and his actors (sans Wood). There is also a featurette called "Tales of 'Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice'."
"Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice"
Twilight Time Movies Limited-Edition Blu-ray
$29.95
www.twilighttimemovies.com/bob-carol-ted-alice-blu-ray
