You can't learn that in school

Rating: 8/10 (15 June 2012)

IMDb Top 250: 164
What a strange film. The Graduate follows meek undergrad Ben upon his return from school. He doesn't want to socialize at all, despite his parents pushing him and later embarrassing him. Eventually he finds something comfortable in a precarious affair which creates a notable change in Ben... until he meets his partner's daughter. Conflict, quirk, a little creepy and cute follow in the Rebel Without a Cause of the 60's.
This could've been a very boring, mundane film. But creativity triumphs. Scenes are lively, almost on the surreal side, and certainly engaging. The cinematography is incredible, with inventive ways to show a scene like the scuba view, the many car shots, extreme zooms and the famous leg shots. Topically the film is very similar to Lolita, but visually The Graduate is in the current generation of film while Lolita remains in the previous.
Unlike the warm atmosphere of his home, Ben is a very plain person. Early we hear about some of his school achievements, none of which he exhibits much pride in (or has any proof of), and he keeps to himself. He doesn't even have the presence to call a waiter. Hoffman makes this weakness so painful, and in cases funny to see. But Ben exhibits change and though his thoughts don't shift, his belief in his own opinions deepen. By the end of the film you'll be looking at a radically different person.
The Robinsons are just as compelling, namely the sultry Mrs. The scenes she shares with Ben are magic and among the most memorable of the film. They are opposites: she dominates with confidence, he... doesn't. Like Ben she has a change- but not at all the same way. Elaine also draws emotion, like a sick feeling on their first 'date'. You feel for her, she goes through a lot. I felt she was familiar, and with further research I realized why: she's in my favourite film of all time Donnie Darko.
I have a lack of affinity for several sex themed films, like Doctor Zhivago. So this film was a bit tough stomaching, with the whole jumping generations as partners. You may feel the same, or a more extreme, disgust, or you may find it simply theatrical and funny. I could tolerate it because of the light tone and strength of other aspects. I also, with an objective position, figured that Ben gets to be quite a stalker, despite his intentions. If you can put things like that aside in a film you will like the film even more than I did.
The Graduate is a culturally significant film, relateable to all who are getting out of school and facing the real world with its work and social problems. It's a charming depiction of coming of age and to terms with ones' self. You'll laugh, raise a few eyebrows and will certainly enjoy this film. I also hope you like Simon and Garfunkel because they play over, and over, and over... 8.5/10