Movie+Review-+The+Graduate

Robb Sciortino Mr. Masson Literature/Media __Congrats to the Graduate__

This movie is a fantastic romantic comedy about a seemingly emotionless young collage graduate, hence the title, a young girl he falls in love with, and her adulterous mother who he had recently had an affair with. This bizarre triangle leads to some out of the ordinary dialog and extremely awkward social situations that will leave you laughing and sighing. Dustin Hoffman is perfectly casted, as Ben Braddock, looking very different from the person you would expect to be in his shoes. Seeing as he grew up in southern California to a wealthy family, you would expect to see a tall skinny blonde boy that does exactly what his parents say. Though he isn’t what you would expect, he suits his role perfectly, not looking anything like he should, showing immediately that he doesn’t fit in. He plays his part well, showing little to no emotion; just taking things as they come. Easily falling into an unhealthy relationship with a woman old enough to be his mother, the beautiful Mrs. Robinson played by Anne Bancroft, he finds himself still unhappy with his lifestyle. Coincidentally enough, Ben’s parents set up a date with Mrs. Robinson’s daughter, Elaine, played by Katharine Ross. Mrs. Robinson tells he can never be involved with his daughter and to show her a horrible time. This leads to a humorous scene in a strip club where Ben is publicly embarrassing Elaine. This film is groundbreaking in many ways; summing up the entire decade’s idealism of rebelliousness and willingness to break away from the normal. No other movie prior to this has ever had a soundtrack. And not only was it innovative, it was great music as well; using song to portray Character’s feelings. With all of these things and the never before seen cinematography, there is a reason this movie has stood the test of time.