In praise of Mrs. Robinson

Rating: 8/10 (27 December 2001)

"The Graduate" is just a wonderful film to anyone of my generation or older (I'm 43), as it truly seemed to encapsulate the feelings many of us baby boomers had as young adults. Perhaps it is dated and underwhelming to younger viewers - time does march on - but it still holds special meaning to me.
Dustin Hoffman was the perfect blank slate as Benjamin, a great debut. A hilarious, career-making performance. Katharine Ross also was every school boy's dream as Elaine, warm and beautiful. But looking back now, the greatest performance is given by Anne Bancroft as Mrs. Robinson. Actually, I think its one of the greatest performances ever given by an actress. This character has such undercurrents - rage, passion, sensuality, intelligence, desperation. Anne Bancroft makes the most of the comic aspects of the role, but also gets across the pathetic nature of Mrs. Robinson in such a way that you're both appalled and sympathetic to her. This was a female archtype in the pre-liberation 60's - a gifted, intelligent woman, ostensibly living the good life, but beaten down by ennui and a lack of options in suburbia. Its interesting to know that Doris Day was first wooed to play her. I could also see Angie Dickinson having been a great choice, but Bancroft really was unbeatable - she received a lot of acclaim, but not as much as her younger costars and I think she should receive her due!