Review of The Graduate (1967) by Grayson S — 03 Mar 2013

I know that this film is supposed to be one of the best ever, but I've now seen this film twice, and I enjoyed it to a lesser extent both times. Maybe it would have been better to see it in 1967 when a cultural revolution was going on.

The story focuses on Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman), his affair with Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft), and the consequences that arise from it.

I felt that Anne Bancroft was very good as Mrs. Robinson. She was likeable because she was so mean and snotty to both Benjamin and her daughter. Sadly, I felt that Dustin Hoffman was very boring in his performance as the titular character. He just didn't do anything for me. I felt that his performance was forced and not smooth and natural. That's just me.

On the other hand, Mike Nichols' directing was mesmerizing. There are quite a few shots that I really enjoyed; for example, the reflection shot off the bar table is very good. Also, when Benjamin goes to see Elaine at Berkeley College, the far distance shots are very good, and the way it zooms in on Ben is very stunning for its time.

I thought that this movie has a fairly entertaining plot, but Dustin Hoffman ruins it for me. He's too boring and monotone. However, I do completely understand the message and satire on the age gap that it's portraying, but it doesn't aid the fact that it is boring. Anne Bancroft and Mike Nichols are the best part of this movie.