THE GRADUATE 🤩

I graduated from high school in 1967. Yes, I know that makes me old, but the years do add wisdom and expertise to my yellowing resume. I was a 60’s child who grew up while the world was wearing different colored glasses.

I witnessed first-hand the discontent, confusion, and frustration my cohorts lived through. I felt the generation gaps all around me. I understood the feeling of not knowing what you wanted or where you were going for the rest of your life. I was a part of the sexual revolution that encouraged relationships among all ages, genders, and color.

Most of us questioned our elders. We wanted to know the ‘why’ about everything. How did we get here, and more importantly, how would we find our way back home to some sense of security and love? “Plastic” would and could not save us. We ran free, meandering, in circles. This is the way it was during very upside-down times, so when THE  GRADUATE hit the theaters, we clung together and related to Benjamin’s story (Dustin Hoffman).

Some may say this film is dated and doesn’t hold up under today’s microscope, but I don’t agree. I was there. I lived through those turbulent, tough years. THE GRADUATE reflects and showcases those angst moments to get us through puberty to reach adulthood. It was always a push/pull situation to overcome. This has never changed, and it allows this film to be just as relevant today. 

Mike Nichols directed THE GRADUATE. It was only his second movie since he was previously a Broadway man. For his efforts, he was awarded an Oscar for Best Director and every other award for directing from all over the globe. THE GRADUATE would chalk up six other Oscar nominations including Best Picture. It cost less than fifty thousand but would gross over a hundred million. It made a bullseye in the hearts of many when it premiered. Dustin’s salary was only seventeen thousand. He was still receiving unemployment checks to cover expenses after taxes. (This was his second feature film.) No one opted for points or shares of the profit. 

THE GRADUATE is a director’s dream creation. Mike Nichols used unique symbolism to bring Ben’s life to the forefront. Glass was highlighted as a tool to box in thoughts and ideals with no escape available. The buildings, church windows, sunglasses, patio doors, fish aquarium, bar, and tabletops were just a few examples. The brilliant water moments let the audience know that Ben was in way over his head, especially in the pool whether he wore his scuba suit or just rolling off his raft. All the subtle nuances maintained and accentuated his lack of direction in life. 

The ladies in THE GRADUATE were the anchors of the film. Anne Bancroft as Mrs. Robinson should win the Stalker of the Century award. Wearing only animal prints and fur, forging her away through the foliage jungle of plants placed in all her scenes gave the impression of a dangerous prey. She was spectacular and powerful beyond words. HERE’S TO YOU MRS. ROBINSON. The best line must be Benjamin quietly asking, “Are you trying to seduce me, Mrs. Robinson? I believe you are.” Ha, how obvious was she and naive was he, especially looking through her legs crossed over for the film poster pic? Benjamin looked like a sitting duck in the background. I did feel empathy for Mrs. Robinson. Here was a woman who was never able to achieve her full potential and was forced to make a decision that would take away her control for the rest of her life, making her always feel less than. Kudos to the entire creative team. 

Katharine’s Ross as Elaine was another story. She was a stunning woman who stopped men in their tracks with her beauty. Her chemistry with Benjamin was electrifying and confusing all at the same time. They were able to hold audiences in the palm of their hands while privy to the yin and yang of their lives bouncing back and forth. It was breathtaking, especially on the bus riding off into the sunset. There was so much fear, joy, love, and a look of real reality on their faces. This scene was improvised while the cameras rolled. 

The music of Simon & Garfunkel added immensely to the emotional journey. Several of their songs were written just for THE GRADUATE. It was a gift that just keeps on giving still today. 

THE GRADUATE is a self-discovery classic that summons viewers to observe a private rendezvous with all its crazy consequences. It was a generational gap of astounding proportions emphasized further by calling every parent by either ‘Mr. or Mrs.’  It begs the question if the future can be better. In our tumultuous society of today, who are we to throw stones at the past while there is still more than one jury out for deliberation? 

THE GRADUATE is available on TCM.