Still at the head of its class 35+ years later!

Rating: 10/10 (31 January 2004)

The Graduate is an incredible film, period! The cast, the direction by Mike Nichols, the screenplay, the soundtrack, are all PERFECT. If the role had gone to Robert Redford, would it still have meant as much? Dustin Hoffman was brilliant, and so believable as the unsure,awkward, and stressed out Ben Braddock that imagining another actor in that role is impossible. While all the cast was great, it was Hoffman that made it what it was! Tippi Hedren or Kim Novak probably could have been adequate Mrs. Robinsons, many other young actresses could have played Elaine, but Dustin Hoffman WAS Benjamin Braddock! The film has humour, and is basically a dark comedy, but I think its greatness lies in its drama. The film appeals to the Ben Braddock in all of us. The unsure, awkward part of ourselves that wants to break free of expectations and do what we feel is right, and will make us happy. Maybe everything wasn't perfect after the bus ride, but we can imagine and hope it was!