An intriguing drama of the '60s.

Rating: 8/10 (5 March 2015)

This is a dramatic and well-paced movie that grabs your attention right away when the main plot is introduced toward the beginning of the story, where Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft) asks newly graduate Ben Braddock (Dustin Hoffman) to take her home after a house party. From there, Mrs. Robinson begins seducing Ben, but he is hesitant because she is the wife of his father's business partner. Later on, however, Ben gives in to Mrs. Robinson's seduction and an affair begins.
The affair pretty much dominates the entire movie, but it is interesting to see how it affects Ben's life decisions such as his post-college plans and, more intriguingly, the strong feeling he feels toward Mrs. Robinson's daughter, Elaine, after the two go out on a date. This enfolding drama captures the movie's somewhat tense atmosphere and keeps the audience engage. The movie also contains some laugh-out-loud humor.
Anne Bancroft did great in her Mrs. Robinsons' role - domineering, seductive and commanding - while Dustin Hoffman did OK in his role. I couldn't really decipher whether his nervous or shy personality in the movie was a result of his character role or his acting ability. The songs by Simon and Garfunkel were also great.
***spoiler ahead*** Some plot points, especially toward the climax, will result in some answered questions, leaving some things ambiguous. This might leave some viewers hanging toward the end of the movie. *** spoiler ends*** Overall, it is an intriguing film of the '60s and will make you think of what life decisions would one make following college.
Grade B