An important picture.

Rating: Null/10 (13 August 2000)

This review contains some spoilers.
It was influential back in the late 60s and I believe it still works today. The story is very simple, but the commentary on a confused graduate is terrific. A lot of people can relate to this picture, I think we all reach an age where we are confused and it's usually before becoming a man. Hoffman's out to find something, but exactly what? What does he want from life? Alienated by the older generation, he sets out on his confused journey, although this isn't planned, it just happens.
During his search, he ends having an affair with Anne Bancroft, but she used for him for her own needs, this is not what he wants. He falls in love with her daughter, he gets her, but he's still in the same position as he was at the beginning of the film. The final frames are fantastic.
The performances are great, Hoffman is perfect as a clueless and confused young man. The direction is superb, with the wonderful photography, very dreamy at times. The soundtrack rounds off a perfect package. This is class film-making!
You simply must watch this in letterbox otherwise you haven't really seen the film.