Review of The Graduate (1967) by Lira Hyacinth A — 14 Nov 2010
From the first second of the film you know Dustin Hoffman is the ideal Graduate. Rich and bored of life with a hint of future angst Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman) finds himself drifting from the family swimming pool into the arms of the seductive Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft) - the rejected wife of his father's business partner. Social responsibility makes him date their daughter Elaine Robinson (Katharine Ross) and all the fears of Mrs. Robinson come true. As soon as Ben is introduced to the beautiful daughter, Mrs. Robinson knows she has lost the game.
The Graduate is a prime example for mother-daughter-conflicts, jealousy, egocentricity, high class boredom, punishment and the fear of aging. When Mrs. Robinson tries to marry her daughter away from Benjamin, I wondered, has family in the USA a different meaning then in Europe? Are we in Europe more bonded to our families in a circle of heritage, responsibility, guilt and false sense of honour? Have the Pioneers left behind the family bond for a more individual and independent way of being and living?
In the end, Elaine and Ben are sitting in the bus and leaving everything behind. They know from this moment on, that they will only have themselves.
The movie shocked the audience in the 60's but I believe it wasn't because of the innovative scenery, the naked flesh or the breathtaking soundtrack. It was because of the questions it raised and still raises.
This review of The Graduate (1967) was written by Lira Hyacinth A on 14 Nov 2010.
The Graduate has generally received very positive reviews.
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