A Great Commentary

Rating: Null/10 (7 January 2004)

This film not only is a great comedy, it is also a great commentary on moral values and the generation gap. At the time it was released, America was in the middle of its own cultural revolution when the youth culture began to question the values of society and rebel against them. Dustin Hoffman is perfectly cast as Benjamin, who is at first naive and then begins to question why he is being used by the much older Mrs. Robinson, brilliantly played by Anne Bancroft.
The film also can be seen as a commentary on the games people play when it comes to sex. At the beginning of the affair, Mrs. Robinson is in control, however she loses that control when Ben meets Elaine and falls in love with her. She then feels that the only way she can regain control of the situation is by telling her daughter about the affair. However, Ben sees right through her games and winds up winning in the end. This film is definitely a great commentary on one of the most turbulent eras of all time.