The Decline of the American Empire

Director Denys Arcand's witty comedy focuses on the marriages and affairs of eight intellectual friends. The group has plans to gather at a secluded house for dinner. While the four men prepare the food and reflect on their promiscuity, the four women discuss their own affairs at a nearby gym. At the dinner table, conflicts soon arise when Dominique, who teaches history at the local university, reveals that she herself has had affairs with two of the men there -- one of whom is married to Louise, also present. The entire evening turns into a disaster, with everyone at each other's throats. (official distributor synopsis)