LA 60's Lifestyle Under Observation

Rating: 10/10 (16 May 2005)

Mike Nichols look at lifestyle of LA in the 60's and its affects on culture and mores.
With excess being the evil of the day, recent College Grad ,Benjamin Braddock(Dustin Hoffman) is thrown unwittingly to multiple seductions , including the WILES of Mrs. Robinson(Anne Bancroft), and what a wild ride it is.
After a 4 year education at college, Benjamin returns home to the objective Upscale lifestyle of LA. Dysfuntion is the norm, and Benjamin is starved to make an emotional connection. Enter Mrs. Robinson, who pounces on the opportunity, and poor Benjamin, whom she desires and wants his love at any hour, day or night .
After a period of time, Benjamin is again becoming emotionally disconnected and confused, when the boundary of his affair becomes apparent.
Enter Elaine Robinson(Katherine Ross), daughter of Mrs. Robinson, and heir to Benjamins affections. They hit it off, and that is when the fireworks start between this trio of characters .
Overt theme of adultery, its affects on relationships, and the institution of marriage are viewed and explored through the eyes and life of Dustin Hoffmans character from both sides . What are the values of marriage, and what are it's strengths and limitations ?
Elaine learns of the affair and retreats to the confines of college near San Francisco after dating Bejamin.He pursues her to heal their relationship, but Elaine already has an offer from another suitor from the college. Benjamin becomes desperate and in one of the great chases of the 20th century,tries to stop the wedding.
Can he regain the love of Elaine ? Watch "The Graduate" , it may change your views on Adultery. A precursor to "Fatal Attraction." Interesting and compelling satire . Highly Recommended .