"...well...hello Mrs. Robinson..."

Rating: 9/10 (28 November 2017)

THE GRADUATE is a romantic comedy drama that, through a generation gap, examines a youthful rebellion, confusion and their strange views on life. This is sort of a collision between a sort of counterculture and a worn idealism. The satire gets a tragic epilogues in this film because, youthful turmoils usually blend from one to the other extreme. It is based on the 1963 novel of the same name by Charles Webb.
Benjamin Braddock, aged twenty-one, has earned his bachelor's degree from Williams College and has returned home to a party celebrating his graduation at his parents' house in Pasadena, California. He is a confused young man, who avoids crowds and questions, which are related to his plans for the future. In fact, Benjamin does not have any concrete plans. Mrs. Robinson, the neglected wife of his father's law partner, insists that he drive her home. Benjamin is coerced inside to have a drink and Mrs. Robinson attempts to seduce him. Benjamin has rejected her proposal, but frustrated by the behavior of his parents, he clumsily organized a meeting with Mrs. Robinson in a hotel. The two start a discrete sexual relationship. However, problems arise when Benjamin's parents encourage him to call Elaine, Mrs. Robinson daughter, on a date...
An intellectual disruption is evident through a vulgar and harsh behavior of older protagonists and a vivid playfulness of young protagonists. This is probably a result of a traditional view of life and a radical view of social development. Logically, this is the way to an uncertain future in which, perhaps, a youthful zeal, perseverance, and love will not be enough.
The plots rely on small incidents. The dialogues are somewhat raw, but rather intriguing. Some scenes have become, rightly, a part of the culture of the 1960s. Almost authentic environments, a very good characterization and excellent music make a tense atmosphere in this movie.
Dustin Hoffman as Benjamin Braddock is a young man who is dovetailed between his own confusion and youthful enthusiasm. His ironically-pathetic character is an unsafe step out of an unhealthy society. Anne Bancroft as Mrs. Robinson is simply an unhappy woman, which finds moments of her own pleasure in bed with a confused young man. Her rough expression is probably a reflection of life frustration, though I think it is about escaping from the truth. Mrs. Bancroft has offered an excellent performance. Katharine Ross as Elaine Robinson is a helpless and sensitive character trapped between two generations. Elaine is a beautiful young girl who does not care about the truth, she relies on a youthful enthusiasm where every decision represents a fundamental change in her life.
Other actors have responded to the task.
This is a great cynical comedy in which you need to understand an emotional and social whirlwind, from which the protagonists pull the worst and the best traits.