The Graduate - My Review

Rating: 9/10 (27 April 2015)

This was another movie I saw previously in my high school film class, and like Night of the Hunter I did enjoy it a lot. It's symbolism is amazing and the use of its camera is delightful and interesting (though that doesn't need much saying). As well as surprisingly comical. Ben as a character is likable (and cute, if I do say so myself, haha), and the development is fluid and you know how and when changes in them take place.
One thing I found so eerily beautiful is the integration of Simon and Garfunkel's music and the scenes put in place. Their songs are just beautifully composed and match the situations well. I still have some of their songs on my iPod to this day because of it, and I picture the scene in my head almost instantly.
One thing I did find creepy is Ben's infatuation with Mrs. Robinson's daughter. While I understood the symbolism involved in it since Ben represented the young generation seeking values outside the norm, the values outside the norm being Mrs. Robinson's daughter, but even so it was just awful watching him lose his mind and follow this poor girl. Shame on you, Ben.
He got his crap together eventually, though... or not. The wedding crashing is so funny and crazy yet very meaningful as well. I kind of like how Mrs. Robinson almost seemed to crack a smile when she noticed that Ben chased after her daughter, even when she told him not to. In a way I felt like she was only restricting him just so he could want it more and go after it, unlike when she was his age (based off of what their talk was about). It only sealed the deal in my book that it was all based in real life, in an environment that was real at the time and still is to some extent.
It's a substantial movie so I wouldn't recommend it for someone who wants to watch a weekend film with their significant other, but if you want a thoughtful night, then give it a fling.