Keith Williams
Delite Gross
Film appreciation
7 November 2013
A Film ahead of its time
In the film the Graduate by Mike Nichols is considered one of the greatest films of all time for good reason. The film dealt with issues such as older and younger relationships, sex, lust, and infidelity in a unique method that had not been done at the time. Because of this the film has now become the blueprint for many films today such as Risky Business and The Heartbreak Kid. One of the main issues that the film talked about was older women dating younger men. Benjamin Braddock’s and Mrs. Robinson interesting yet unholy relationship was ground-breaking at the time of its release. The reason it was so groundbreaking was because during the 50s and 60s certain things where not discussed or talked about in film, radio, or television because at the time many those issue where to not be discussed and this topic was one of them. The idea of a women cheating on her husband was brilliant enough but add to the fact that Mrs. Robinson was an older woman who in fact, could be Benjamin’s mother, and she was cheating on her husband with a younger man and he was a family friend strictly and how she personally seduced him into the relationship, was just genius and scandalous. The thought of infidelity like this happening at the time was never before thought of especially, since the age difference was so huge and because Mrs. Robinson was married. This vision of Mike Nichols that something like this could happen was revolutionary to cinema because at the time things like this were not talked about in film because films were a depiction of American ideas. Another huge topic that was present in the film was youth and the power of a young generation. There were many signs of this image of the youth all throughout the film. This image of youth was seen in the style of the movie, in the cinematography, but it was extremely present in the soundtrack of the film. The soundtrack was made by Simon and Garfunkel a popular band at the time of the film’s release. The soundtrack was such a hit that it knocked the Beatles from being at the top of the charts. The reason the soundtrack was such a hit was because it had all the elements that the youthful generation of the 1960’s enjoyed and loved. At the time Woodstock was still very huge and love peace and happiness was still in. The mood, tone and perplexing feel of the songs went perfect with the feel of Woodstock. The style of the movie also went perfect with the young generation because the film helped create a certain feel that went perfect with the Woodstock spirit and vibe, because of this the film was a realistic depiction of the society in the 60s. The Graduate also posed a certain type of irrationality and foolishness that drew people into the film. One Example of this type of irrationality was the relationship between Benjamin and Mrs. Robinson. Mrs. Robinson knew exactly what to say to Benjamin to get him to do what she wanted him to do. Because of the constant pressure that Mrs. Robinson put on Benjamin he eventually caved in and fell into her temptation, which was very foolish of him because Benjamin knew that Mrs. Robinson was married. Another incident where audiences can see irrationality was when Elaine got married immediately to Carl. This was irrational because Elaine did not know Carl for that long but only wanted to marry him because her parents really liked him and because he fit in perfect with society unlike Benjamin. This was also very foolish because Elaine was clearly still in love with Benjamin and audiences knew this because of the way she acted towards him. The biggest scene where audiences get to see irrationality is the ending when Benjamin crashes Elaine’s wedding. Even through Benjamin knows that Elaine’s parents do not want to see him at all Benjamin still goes to the wedding. After entering Benjamin runs down the steps to Elaine where many people are trying to stop him from getting to her. After fighting his way through Benjamin and Elaine are finally reunited and they then leave the church, get on a bus, and proceed to leave their crazy families. At first Elaine and Benjamin are filled with joy because they are together but they soon realize that what they have done was very foolish because both of them are still young and don’t know what they are going to do with their life, none of them work, and both their families are disappointed in them.
Another idea that was seen in the film was the expectations for young people that are placed on them by their parents or society either. This is present at Benjamin’s birthday party, in which he stands inside the kitchen, wearing a wetsuit that his father forced him to wear complete with mask, and oxygen tank. Even though Benjamin doesn’t want to wear the outfit his father and their friends are forcing him even through Benjamin believes it is asinine, injudicious and embarrassing. Benjamin begins to finds himself uncertain of what he is going to do with his life, even though his parents seem to already have his life plans planed out to, wanting Benjamin to do something that he doesn’t want to. Everyone seems to want Benjamin to be something that he is not. Benjamin just wants to live in this fishbowl or underwater where he is comfortable and safe. Having never before seen The Graduate before this class, I know see where many concepts in today’s films and TV show got their ideas. I know fully understand the influence that the film had on modern day film. Nichols’ use of the camera of angles where very different and irreplaceable, having a very modern feels that wasn’t seen at the time. Audiences can clearly see the influence that Nichols’ had on many directors of today and of his time. The slow cuts, the withdrawal seen between the camera and the scene, the entire style is very different and revolutionary. Even though the film talks about serious issue and is a serious film it is in many ways a comedy. Even though there is no humor in the sense of jokes, the entire film is nearly serious to a fault. It is in this seriousness where the comedy of the film lies. The dialogue between Benjamin and people who he talks to are so awkward and weird that people can’t help but laugh. Benjamin is very nervous whenever he talks to someone and has this almost none emotional face on at all times. An example of where audiences can see this is when Benjamin and Mrs. Robinson first get the hotel room. Mrs. Robinson tells Benjamin to go get a room and while trying to get the room he is so nervous that while he is talking to the clerk he is making mistakes while talking and he makes the conversation more awkward than it must be. Even once they get the room when Benjamin kisses Mrs. Robinson it is so awkward and weird people can’t help but laugh at him. This use of comedy is another reason Nichols’ is an amazing director and important to film and cinema. Even when serious Nichols work never actually is and many people tend to gravitate to works like this. The Graduate challenged American values, shattered expectations and defied the limits of film. Because of that Nichols has created one of the greatest films to date that was way ahead of its time.

Work Cited

Reck, Tom S. "Reviews & Essays: "The Graduate Reclassified"" Reviews & Essays: "The Graduate Reclassified" N.p., n.d. Web. 17 May 2013

Ebert, Roger. "The Graduate." All Content. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 May 2013