The Graduate

Rating: 10/10 (23 March 1999)

The sequence where Hoffman asks Buck Henry for a room is still one of the funniest scenes ever. It's been said that Nichols' direction to Hoffman was that he should look as if he's asking for condoms. It's wonderful! Hoffman filling out the register, messing up and crumbling a piece of paper into his pocket and starting over is right on the money. It's a perfectly timed sequence with no one playing it too heavily. That's how the entire film is. The film is funny because it seems to me that no one really takes themselves too seriously. Maybe it's the rich and wealthy who feel that way. In any case, the performances are outstanding. Bancroft is shocking and seductive as the mischievous Mrs. Robinson. Katherine Ross is still one of the most beautiful women ever. The sequence in the bar when she's crying is a perfect shot of her beauty. Hoffman is damn near perfect as Benjamin, even though the original idea for the character was someone resembling a Redford or George Segal. Hoffman's Benjamin is a loner in need of something. Direction. Love. Guts. All of those things. I'm not so sure that Ben can truly love anything. It looked as if he had a lot of growing up to do. Who knows if we'll met Ben and Elaine again. What about Mrs. Robinson? It sure would be nice. Who knows?