Absolutely amazing!

Rating: 10/10 (24 May 2002)

I first saw this movie after my freshman year in college, and it hit me like a freight train. I have never felt more able to relate to a movie in my life, and this film's combination of humor, romance, and poignancy remains unequaled by any of the hundreds of films I have seen in my lifetime.
If you watch a movie for the actor's performances, you'll love this one. Dustin Hoffman nails the character of Benjamin Braddock in all his nervous vulnerability. Anne Bancroft is absolutely wonderful as the vampish Mrs. Robinson, bringing her insecurities to light at the same time as she presents us with Mrs. Robinson's hard-boiled facade. Katharine Ross as Elaine is the perfect compliment to Hoffman's Benjamin, and the complete antithesis of Mrs. Robinson.
If you watch a movie for the director's insight, you'll love this one too. The camerawork in this film is simply breathtaking. The cross-cuts between the Braddock house and the Taft Hotel are mind-blowingly innovative, and the scene capturing Benjamin's point of view in the scuba suit is sheer brilliance. If you're a repeat viewer of the film, try catching all of the symbolism in the film, but be warned: there's a lot of it, so pay attention. (I particularly love the "Do They Match?" sign in the opening scene).
Finally, if you love the music that goes into a movie, there is no better choice than this film. The Simon and Garfunkel songs fit the movie perfectly, and I can't imagine this film without them. The point at which Benjamin drives out of the tunnel and the vocals on "Mrs. Robinson" break in is amazing. I can think of no other film (with the possible exception of "Easy Rider") where the soundtrack fits the film so well.
But why are you still reading this review? Go out and rent this movie! It is a true cultural touchstone, even for people like me who didn't grow up in the '60s. I give this film an unreserved 10 out of 10, and I'm pretty hard to please...just check out my review of "Night of the Hunter" and you'll see what I mean.