Wow, this is such a great movie, especially for its era. The leading roles are nicely played by Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft and Katharine Ross. I also enjoyed the soundtrack a lot; Simon and Garfunkel rocks. I liked the editing and the transitions when Benjamin is dreaming. A new favorite of mine!
Mike Nichols' film The Graduate tells the story of a recent college graduate wondering what he is going to do with his life. Amidst his confusion he is seduced by an old family friend, Mrs. Robinson, and they have an affair. Eventually he falls in love with the woman's daughter and decides he would like to marry her. While the movie remains mostly funny throughout the film, I found the plot less interesting once the protagonist began pursuing the daughter. Overall, the plot is good but not great.
The two main characters in this film are played by Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft. Hoffman's acting is quite strong early on in the film, but less impressive as the film wears on. Anne Bancroft's portrayal of Mrs. Robinson is probably the best-acted part in the film although she is less significant as the film wears on. The other characters do a fine enough job, but they aren't really worth mentioning.
Although this film is entertaining, it doesn't really accomplish anything. As a recent college graduate myself, I can relate to the main character's confusion with applying to graduate school and living up to expectations, but I'm not sure the film does all that good of a job addressing this as the film wears on. While the subject nature of the film may have been shocking in 1967, it is no longer shocking today and the film doesn't really hold up as well as other films from this era. It's a good film, but falls short of being a great film.
Not sure how to feel about this one. I want to give it a high rating because it's one of those classics that have been raved about. Yet the story is showing its age now in the fact that it is no longer considered "provocative" or "controversial". Hoffman's character was very awkward to watch, which made for a few good laughs.
Great storyline, with tremendous stroytelling. Hoffman actually makes you believe he's a fresh faced college graduate. Marquee supporting roles that help advance the unfloding drama.
apparently this movie was originally slated to star robert redford and candice bergen instead of hoffman and ross, with ronald reagan and doris day as benjamin's parents! that woulda been a whole different film for sure! this film made dustin hoffman a star. definitely in the spirit of the 60's and tho it may look a little dated now, it was revolutionary in 1967 and it's still really funny and poignant and even risque with interesting cinematography and a classic soundtrack. and of course anne bancroft; she's awesome :)
The guy stuck between mother and daughter story may be commonplace in 21st century primetime tv, but this film is still a true classic from its time. The satirical dialogue and deadpanned humor delivers the cliched love story in a hilarious yet bittersweet manner.
Synopsis : Benjamin Braddock, adrift after college, is seduced by a woman twice his age: icily-assured friend of the family Mrs. Robinson. So its understandable that Benjamin''s dream girl is aghast when she finds out he''s been sleeping with... her mother.
We had to watch this in film class, and though I'm glad I've watched it, it wasn't at all as good as I heard it would be. I'm not one of those who must have action in every movie, I can enjoy dramas, but seriously, not this movie. Only good thing was the last scene where he came and took the girl of his dreams.
i hate and love this movie at the same time. I love the elegance of Mrs. Robinson, but i hate the fact that green sleeves plays 40 times. Im not really sure what to think. I did like it but im confused about why
The beginning is interesting, but then there are some slow scenes that can be annoying, and then the movie gets funnier and funnier, leading up to a classic ending. Plus, Simon & Garfunkle's music in this movie goes along with every scene so brilliantly. This is a good movie, I would recommend it to anyone.
Benjamin Braddock is fresh out of a 4 year college degree and back at his rich parents suburban dwelling. What should be a stage of security and accomplishment is actually a painfully confusing time for the in-experienced young man; that is until he is seduced by the femme fatale neighbour that is Mrs Robinson. Benjamin starts to think his problems are beginning to make sense; until he meets and falls for Miss Elaine Robinson, Mrs Robinsons beautiful, young daughter. It's easy to see why 'The Graduate' has been dubbed a classic. It's simple screen-play, creative camera angles and dreamy soundtrack make for some really iconic and compelling viewing. It is a film about firsts, whether this be of love, lust or independent action. It's quirky and original nature makes it a real pleasure to watch, as do the actors portraying such memorable characters. Dustin Hoffman shines playing the inexperienced, awkward intellectual Braddock, who greatly lacks any form of assertion. He seems wooden and uptight, but as the film progresses his seemingly complacent nature actually becomes quite charming. Anne Bancroft is superb as the temptress Mrs Robinson. She radiates a strong femininity and despite the circumstance is never seen as desperate or pathetic; she oozes charm and sex appeal, practically lighting up the room. Katharine Ross also puts in a quality performance as Elaine Robinson, who, unlike her alluring Mother, embodies a sweet naivety and innocence. There's also a nice bit of devilishly good dramatic irony which adds a superbly dark comic edge to the text. It may seem a little dated to some, but 'The Graduate' is an excellent picture that will spread a smile right across your face. A real feel good film.
A classic film, the Graduate is a sort of zen everyman's quest for self in a world asleep, and despite Nichols German birth, it is a quintessentialy American film. I think it's accessible to any age, but it's of course particularly powerful viewing to young adults caught in the grasp of existential crisis and of course, to recent graduates. Not unlike Salinger's novel Franny and Zooey, The Graduate is something that improves immeasurably as YOU age. I consider it a MUST SEE, if not a MUST OWN.
A classic product of its time, The Graduate is still poignant and unique. It is a film of mostly unspoken meanings and implicit ideas brilliantly communicated by great actors and a great director. Anne Bancroft is iconic as Mrs. Robinson, and Dustin Hoffman is painfully awkward and strangely human as a young man "worried about his future." When it is not overbearing, Simon & Garfunkel's music helps sell the themes of the story by making them personal. The effect of the film, especially the final shot, is more powerful for being subliminal.
Will always be one of my favorites no matter what. All those "dated" criticisms happen to be bullshit =) Generation gaps are something every generation has had to face, only things that change during the years are the clothes they wear and the cars they drive, but that's about it. And the whole love story may seem inadequate and politically incorrect but that's what makes it awesome. And rant aside... Bancroft is better than ur mom, Hoffman is awfully relatable and I'm convinced Katharine Ross is the most beautiful thing that ever existed.
there's a lot about this movie I liked: the clever satire, the dry and subtle humour, the rich ensemble of characters, the wonderful (yet oddly repetitive) Si & Gar soundtrack, and the memorably classic happy ending. I can't help but feel, however, that it was an undeserved happy ending. past history notwithstanding, the love story between Ben and Elaine seemed rushed and unsubstantially developed (for them and for us) and the present circumstances at the end of the film don't really call for a happy "all's well that ends well" deus-ex-machina style ending. oh well. it's still a fun and entertaining movie.
I was hoping based on the high rating this would be a good movie but it was not my kind of movie at all, the music was excellent but otherwise I wouldn't recommend it.
Dustin Hoffman is great in this movie. It's a pretty sick plot, but it's all so easily handled that it doesn't seem so bad. The only thing that really made the movie great was the soundtrack by Simon and Garfunkel.
i know this is like a classic or whatever, but i found it kind of dry. maybe it is just my generation x-ness that made it so. i mean it was sexy at first but then just got ridiculous.
The best movie of 1967. In the dawn of the age of hippies, the summer of 67, this movie grooved on about a cat who was fresh out of college and looking for love with a widowed hottie. Dustin Hoffman was great. Anne Bancroft was stellar. Simon and Garfunkle did the song.
Only the second movie Dustin Hoffman acted in, and he was awesome! This is a fantastic dramatic comedy with superb acting and musical score! The filming is very interesting and different-I just love this movie! On "My 5 Star Classic Dramas" list. DVD.
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