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Empire Magazine (2008) Greatest Movies List - #62: The Graduate

The Graduate (1967) is a very interesting movie to revisit in this day and age. It is still funny, sexy and thought provoking, but you have to wonder if it could be made today. Many young men can probably still identify with the main character’s feelings of confusion as he embarks on a new chapter in his life, however his love life is rather problematic. I think it’s fair to say if the gender roles were reversed this would be a completely different movie.

However the movie Mike Nichols did end up directing is considered a classic by many people. I agree with this because in my opinion a movie becomes a classic when it is repeatedly referenced in popular culture. For one thing it helped popularize the Simon & Garfunkel song Mrs. Robinson, which itself ended up in the Forrest Gump soundtrack decades later. The movie also has its fair share of iconic scenes that were parodied throughout the years in movies like Wayne’s World and even an episode of Animaniacs. Then of course there is the affair between a young man and an older woman, which (I’m guessing) must have had somewhat of an influence on some X-rated movies over the years.

To be fair, The Graduate is much more than some sleazy sex film. The situation of 21-year-old Benjamin Braddock (a fresh-faced Dustin Hoffman) finds himself in is one many other graduates often find themselves dealing with after having graduated. His parents throw him a party at their California home after he has obtained his Bachelor’s degree while friends and neighbours ask him about his plans for the future. He evades the questions because the fact is he just doesn’t know what to do next. I have been there a few times after finishing one important year of school or a big project. For a minute I’m happy I don’t have to work anymore. Then I ask myself: now what?

One thing that would not occur to a lot of young men in that situation, at least I hope not, is entering in a relationship with a married woman. The iconic Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft) is unhappily married to the partner of Benjamin’s father so right from the start this is a very bad idea. The film does make it clear this is all Mrs. Robinson’s idea since she practically has to spell out what she wants to do to Benjamin. He eventually gives in and spends the summer clumsily setting up illicit rendezvous at a hotel by night while spending the days lounging by the pool. At this point no one is getting hurt so Benjamin is still a more or less moral protagonist.

The part when he loses me is when Benjamin begins dating Mrs. Robinson’s daughter Elaine (Katharine Ross). That, to put it lightly, is one messy situation. Fortunately the screenwriters were smart enough to write a comedic tone because in plenty of other movies things could take a dark turn very quickly. Instead we get to see Benjamin fumbling about as he realizes he is falling in love with the daughter of the woman with whom he has been having an affair. The scene in which an understandably angry Mr. Robinson (Murray Hamilton) finally confronts Benjamin is a special kind of uncomfortable.


If The Graduate has one key lesson I would say it is that our choices have consequences. For a part of the movie Benjamin is perfectly happy sitting by the pool and avoiding all responsibilities, but eventually it is time for him to grow up and make a decision. The movie’s final shot is perfect as he realizes that maybe he has not made the right choice after all and now finds himself wondering: now what?  

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