The Graduate: 9/10

Rating: 9/10 (1 December 2002)

In Dustin Hoffman's first starring role, as Ben Braddock, he's just out of college and 21. He has no idea what to do with his life. So he decides to go with his parents' friend's idea to have an affair with her. She's Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft). That's fine, it brings some excitement to his life. But Ben had no idea that he'd also be involved with her daughter Elaine (Katharine Ross).
The Graduate has great acting, great and original plot, and great music. The music, by Simon and Garfunkle, is classic (who can't sing along to Mrs. Robinson whenever it's played?). It really brings out the somber mood of the piece which is portrayed so well.
The script, though taken from a novel, seems so original and striking that it seems to be thought up at the moment. It actually didn't seem to have a script. It seemed like real life and that Hoffman was actually Ben. A script that could have deftly placed humor along with touching and powerful moments with moments that we can classify with is a force to be reckoned with. We really feel for all of the characters; so well written.
Hoffman was completely perfect. His naivetivity and contentness with the world around him made Hoffman seem like he wasn't acting. Wow. Anne Bancroft is also very good, and so is Katharine Ross. All of the supporting characters were very well played, also.
With The Graduate's 35th birthday here, it's fitting that I say that it seems to not be "old". It could have been released today and I would not have been able to tell the difference. Its subject matter and it's powerful message is one that will stick with you for a long, long time to come!
My rating: 9/10
Rated PG for sexual situations and language.