The Decline of the American Empire 1986

As Université de Montréal History Professor Dominique St. Arnaud engages in a revealing dialogue with writer Diane about her latest literary work, Variations on the Idea of Happiness, an intriguing discussion emerges. Dominique posits that society’s relentless chase after self-indulgence is a precursor to its downfall, foretelling doom for what she terms the “American Empire,” which poignantly includes Quebec. Simultaneously, a group of scholarly history professors at the university prepare for an elegant evening gathering. The men are preoccupied with creating a sumptuous dinner, while their female counterparts are busy working out at the gym, each immersed in their own regimen.

As the hours progress and the mouthwatering scents fill the air, the night’s dialogues grow increasingly personal. The men comfortably share stories about their extramarital affairs, with Rémy, in particular, narrating tales of his romantic escapades, despite his apparent unhappiness in marriage, which is merely a veil for his numerous secrets. His wife, Louise, remains blissfully ignorant of Rémy’s many flings, her faith in him unshaken, even as they experiment with an open-minded approach to their relationship that includes orgies.

Amid an atmosphere charged with hidden truths and furtive confessions, the gathering is enlivened by the arrival of Claude, an openly gay member of their group, who candidly discusses his numerous encounters with men. His bravado, however, is underpinned by a pervasive anxiety about the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. As the dinner party reaches an emotional peak, Dominique boldly articulates her controversial opinions on societal decay, only for Louise to express disbelief. This skepticism prompts Dominique to divulge her own secret affairs with both Rémy and Pierre, shattering Louise’s perception of her marriage and her social circle.

By the time dawn breaks, the group finds themselves in a complex emotional terrain, having navigated this turbulent evening of revelations and shifting dynamics, forever altering the fabric of their relationships and their understanding of one another.