Interesting

Rating: Null/10 (2 December 2011)

Dustin Hoffman's performance in this film is top notch in both comedy and drama. As Ben, he is able to bring a sense of vulnerability to the character that might have otherwise been lost by a different actor. That being said, the entire cast is pretty great, with a solid job done all around. Technically the film is great as well. There are a lot of really interesting camera tricks done to make the film the masterpiece it is. For example, the framing scene in the beginning of the movie, where Ben is only visible through the triangle formed by Mrs. Robinsons leg is a particularly well-done. Another example would include the graphic match cut when Ben is in the pool and then in bed with Mrs. Robinson. This film delivers on all platforms, both technically and in form and content. The plot left a little something to be desired in my opinion, as it seems that there is no real explanation of certain events, i.e. Ben;s decision to marry Elaine. It just kind of happens out of nowhere and the audience has to go along with it. I think in a way that there is a message in there about the disconnect among older and younger generations with the inherent message being that the younger generation is going to live the way it wants and damn anyone who tried to stop them. Conversely, this also says something about the sense of rigidity with which the older generation live their own lives. This all serves to accentuate the "generation gap" theory that became so much a part of "new Hollywood" films during that period. The one part of the film that I did enjoy a lot, not to suggest that I did not enjoy the rest of it, is the end. I genuinely liked the fact that both Ben and Elaine have the epiphany or realization that life is not all happy and that rough times await. It is a nice break from the typical happy ending that most would expect. I would definitely recommend this film both because of how visually pleasing it is, but also for the powerful message it delivers.