A sad little film about a group of University professors, their wives, and friends who espouse typical '80s views on sex and love. The men share several boasts about their sexual conquests and the women, in a separate venue, talk about their loves. They come together to share a meal and in the course of conversation a
pre-emptive strike is launched. Surprisingly little fallout ensues. The "R" rating must be for the dialog, casual drug use, and sexual situations, certainly not for the brief, partial nudity, although there was plenty of opportunity for more. An interesting character study with an adequate cast. Somewhat cliched story and less than demonstrative emotions. The title derives from an opening interview where a visiting author explains that empires fall when the pursuit of personal happiness replaces sacrifice for the common good as a societal virtue. This viewer supposes the rest of the film is proof of that premise. Good, but not great, by any means.
July 18, 2010
