New Haven, ’Nam, Nichols, and Nazis

This chapter examines two counterculture films made by Levine during his tenure at Avco, the deterioration of his relationship with Mike Nichols, and his return to independence upon resigning from Avco. His politics were somewhat ambiguous, but he made two significant films in 1970 that were rooted in contemporary countercultural concerns, Bright College Years and Soldier Blue, and both show his commitment to supporting interesting films even in his quietest years. Levine also made two further films with Mike Nichols while still at Avco: Carnal Knowledge was reasonably successful, but Day of the Dolphin was a failure. This chapter analyzes all of these films in the context of Levine’s disillusionment at Avco. It also details his promotional campaign for his first post-Avco success, The Night Porter. The Avco years were quiet for Levine, but on becoming an independent once again, he returned to movie promotion with a gusto not seen since his involvement in The Graduate.