Classic Movie Monday: The Graduate

Welcome to Classic Movie Monday. Every Monday, I watch a film at least 25 years old that I have never seen before. I will then write my comments on the film, telling you what I thought of it. This is an attempt to beef up my classic film knowledge as well as highlight some forgotten gems of Hollywood's heyday. So without further ado...

The Graduate
Released: December 21, 1967
Directed by: Mike Nichols
Starring: Anna Bancroft, Dustin Hoffman, & Katharine Ross

Plot in a Nutshell:
A timid university graduate is seduced by an older woman, but falls for her daughter.

What I thought:
The Graduate is an unusual comedy. It is a much more subtle humor than slapstick or jokey styles, but it still manages to be quite hilarious in its awkward moments. The concept is simple enough, the idea of an older woman having a sexual affair with a young man is something I find unique to this film at this time period. What makes it great is the change in tonality that carries through the initial awkward moments of the film all the way to the emotional and satisfying climax.

The strongest portion of film is the uneasy performance by Dustin Hoffman. His character at the start is so unsure of himself, of life, and of sexuality. It is no challenge for a woman of extraordinary confidence and stature like Mrs. Robinson, to easily take control of him. So when the ending comes, you see the significant change in him and his actions. The uncertainty is now confidence. The awkward demeanor has now transformed into assured fearlessness. What does this character owe to such a change in personality? Almost certainly he owes it to his assorted affair with the infamous Mrs. Robinson, and the subsequent whirlwind romance with her daughter Elaine.

I found that by the end of the film I was questioning how his character made such the dramatic change. I still don't think I can quite understand how his relationship with Elaine seemed so strong. It just was. I suppose it could simply be a matter of kindred spirits. Both are caught up in doing what their parents think is right, or what they feel they should do. So i imagine it is out of this mutual hatred of control that they are able to bond so quickly, and then cause the awesome ending at the church. But I have to say honestly, I'm not sure. The film doesn't really explore why these two hit it off, but if you don't pay it much mind, the conclusion is more than fulfilling.

One of the things I admired about this film is the almost voyeuristic approach to its perspective. Shots are taken across rooms, scenes are played in the dark, and conversations are silenced by loud music. It's almost as if the events were happening and the crew was there to capture it. The purpose to doing it like this is to make things seem real. The characters pop to life in ways that you don't normally see.

The Graduate is a film that marks a time in history. It is a young man's comedy, akin to the likes of today's American Pies or Risky Businesses. The thing that makes this stand out as a genuine classic, is the performances by Hoffman and Bancroft. Their unusual chemistry is surprising, especially considering the circumstances their characters are in. I wish that that strength sustained itself throughout the film, but it successfully manages to switch gears towards the final act. Just wish there was more Mrs. Robinson. Always, there must be more Mrs. Robinson.

"Dee dee de deee ...and here's to you Mrs. Robinson."

Bottom Line:
A unique story (at the time), humorous performances, and Simon and Garfunkel highlight this comedy classic.

A

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