Classic late 60s mosaic of youth angst and alienation

Rating: Null/10 (13 September 2003)

One of the most treasured relics of a landmark era, "The Graduate" is the story of Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman in his star-making role), a 21-year old milquetoast who seems a little worried about his future. After graduating college, he dosen't seem to have any direction or prospects. At a welcome home party given by his parents, he crosses paths with Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft, who is marvelous), a middle-aged alcoholic friend of his parents. She asks him to drive her home. He does. She asks him to have a drink. He does. She asks him to see her daughter Elaine's portrait. He does. She asks him to have an affair. Boy, does he! Their "relationship" gets all the more complicated when Ben falls for Elaine (Katharine Ross) to Mrs. Robinson's chagrin. This film is splendid in every way--the soundtrack by Simon and Garfunkel, observations about the vain lives of southern Californians, and the repression of sexual emotions and feelings--and never takes itself too seriously. Extremely interesting contrast of Ben's nervous relationship with Mrs. Robinson in the first half, and his boy-meets-girl relationship with Elaine in the second half. Loaded with celebrity cameos (inc. Alice Ghostley, Marion Lorne, Norman Fell and even a young Richard Dreyfuss). Peerless script by Calder Willingham and Buck Henry (who's seen here as the hotel desk clerk) from the Charles Webb novel. Among its seven Oscar nods (three being for Hoffman, Bancroft and Ross), Mike Nichols won for his pitch-perfect direction. A timeless classic about youthful disillusionment. ****