Mr. Nichols, you're trying to impress me.

Rating: 8/10 (20 March 2020)

'The Graduate (1967)' is a film of two halves, with the former being more successful than the latter. When the more famous aspects of the piece fall away and Mrs. Robinson becomes a one-note antagonistic character, the thing starts to lose some of its charm. Still, it transitions from comedy to drama rather gracefully. Its second half isn't at all bad, either. In fact, it's where the eponymous graduate starts to really find his purpose and, as such, features more traditional 'plot'. While certain aspects of the picture haven't aged phenomenally (see 'stalking as romance'), the majority of it is as engaging and entertaining as any modern day affair. Indeed, its direction is markedly good; the movie's long-lens camera work, picturesque blocking and inspired editing give it a distinct aesthetic. It also makes use of focus pulls and zooms to actually tell its tale, an assured choice that belies its behind-the-scenes talent. The picture is enjoyable right from the start, surprisingly funny and wonderfully ahead of its time (it is a sixties film about adultery, after all). Its performances are phenomenal, too. Bancroft, in particular, is great, exuding both an elegant grace and a longing sadness all at once. In the end, this is clearly a landmark piece of cinema, one of the best films of the 1960s. It's funny, affecting and compelling. 8/10