The Graduate: A Timeless College Tale

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Director:  Mike Nichols

Writers: Calder Willingham, Buck Henry

Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft, Katharine Ross

Length: 106 min

Much has changed since the 1960’s, so I didn’t know what to expect when walking into The Graduate, a 1967 film known as a classic college movie.  To my surprise, I found myself instantly relating to the film and loving every second of it.   

The Graduate tells the tale of Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman), a young adult and recent college graduate.  Constantly surrounded by questions, expectations, and a feeling of uncertainty regarding his future, Benjamin begins to drift.  He loses himself in a downward spiral, wearily resulting in an affair with his father’s coworker’s temptress of a wife, Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft).

When his parents, oblivious to their son’s affair, set him up on a date with the Robinson’s daughter, Elaine (Katharine Ross), Benjamin falls for her and decides to end the affair with her mother.  Inevitably, Elaine finds out about the affair, and severs all ties connecting to Benjamin.  In a classic, yet unique, romantic comedy plotline, Benjamin must prove himself worthy of the love that he desires by fighting against the refusal of Elaine, her angry father, and her bitter mother.

            At times, The Graduate’s imaginative, yet realistic plot is awkwardly humorous, while other scenes are painfully depressing.  Oscar winning director Mike Nichols masterfully extracts an emotional response from the audience through a combination of this relatable plotline and grade-A acting.    

            The awkwardness that Hoffman radiates throughout the majority of the movie is beautifully agonizing.  One of the most memorable moments exhibiting this awkward feeling is the classic scene where Mrs. Robinson first tries to entice Benjamin, and he uncomfortably asks her “Mrs. Robinson, you’re trying to seduce me…Aren’t you?”  It is this awkwardness that makes the film so real.  After all, I can’t imagine that most people would respond in a suave manner to the advances of an older, attractive, not to mention married, family friend.

            In addition to making the movie relatable, the uncomfortable exchanges and scenarios throughout the film are nothing short of hilarious.  The movie is made up of a very dry sense of humor, which admittedly might turn off any audience member who does not find humor in non-slapstick moments.  I couldn’t help but laugh though watching confused Benjamin react to his surroundings.   

            The audience is also able to feel the character’s depression through the powerful combination of acting and musical selection.  The reoccurring blank stare seen on Benjamin’s face in many scenes of the movie, working together with Simon & Garfunkel’s hits like The Sounds of Silence and Scarborough Fair, creates haunting clips of cinematography.  The combination of the two allows the audience to feel lost in Benjamin’s loneliness.

            The Graduate receives its fame and acclaim because there comes a point in everyone’s lives where they have to ask themselves the inevitable question:  What next?  The movie is a classic coming-of-age story that I suggest to anyone, especially young adults, who are looking to find their place because sometimes, it’s comforting to know that you are not alone on the journey.      

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