An exceptional example of New Hollywood

Rating: Null/10 (13 May 2011)

Mike Nichol's "The Graduate" is an astonishing film that explores new possibilities that films prior to the fall of the Hays Code were incapable of. "The Graduate" has a many qualities that make it an amusing film, and a remarkably good one at that. The characters are incredibly realistic and are the kind that one, especially young college men, can find themselves relating to. The film plays upon the realistic struggle that many youths find when finishing school, not knowing exactly what is next and where they should step in life. It also touches upon themes that would normally never be seen in films such as sexual affairs, moral debauchery, and the troubles of modern American homes. If any aspects stand out for the film it is the phenomenal use of editing and the soundtrack. The editing is more than respectable as it is used in a variety of stunning ways. The transitions from scene to scene and the time lapse effects are the most notable. The soundtrack which consists strictly of music performed by Simon and Garfunkel sets a mood throughout the film and from scene to scene depending on the song made and overall makes for a more emotionally effective experience. In short "The Graduate" is a film that is both both funny and touching as it goes beyond the content of a comedy-drama at the time and if anything sets the standard for those to come. The movie is great on both a technical and theoretical level and ultimately is a movie that can be enjoyed by variety of audiences.