Review of The Graduate (1967) by Darius M — 03 Sep 2012
'The Graduate' is one of the most iconic, under appreciated films of its time. The flawless performances from the entire cast allows the viewer to become completely emerged in the rather absurd storyline.
Mike Nichol's direction is simply beautiful. He gives the viewer so many beautiful images to absorb that one will gladly find themselves viewing the film multiple times. The entire soundtrack, composed by Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, creates musical, cinematic poetry that almost allows one to be cast into the same dazed and macabre sense of worry and trouble that the main character, Benjamin Braddock, is experiencing the entire film.
Introducing an outlet for Ben's grief, is Anne Bancroft's wonderfully constructed temptress, Mrs. Robinson. Her character ingeniously presents Ben (Dustin Hoffman) with the perfect amount of excitement, and regret.
Meanwhile Dustin Hoffman perfectly portrays the quintessential troubled young man. He truly paints the portrait of a worried, troubled young person. His performances leaves one of the most memorable impressions on the viewer.
The editing in this film is nothing short of pure genius. Throughout the entire film, the editing constantly dissolves between different settings, while Ben carelessly drifts in the middle of all of the seemingly meaningless events taking place around him.
The viewer will have the feeling of drifting in uncertainty throughout the whole film, allowing one to further identify with Hoffman's character. The cinematography is lovely. The focus of almost every is either the uncomfortable environment, or those who are trying to preserve youth through their ideas of happiness.
The accepted members of the adult world, who don't even have first names, are almost isolated from the younger characters. The longshots in the film are entirely beautiful, while the close-up shots, such as the framed portrait of a crying clown or the dopey-looking ape in the zoo, expose the true feelings of Ben with subtle hilarity.
'The Graduate' is classic film with a vintage look, and a timeless, lovable story. Well worth the viewer's time.
This review of The Graduate (1967) was written by Darius M on 03 Sep 2012.
The Graduate has generally received very positive reviews.
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