The Graduate is a 1967 American independent romantic comedy-drama film directed by Mike Nichols and written by Buck Henry and Calder Willingham, based on the 1963 novel of the same name by Charles Webb. The film tells the story of 21-year-old Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman), a recent college graduate with no well-defined aim in life, who is seduced by an older married woman, Mrs. Robinson.
The film was released on December 21, 1967, and was a critical and commercial success, grossing $104.9 million in the United States and Canada, making it the highest-grossing film of 1967. It received seven nominations at the 40th Academy Awards, including for Best Picture, and won Best Director. The film's iconic soundtrack, featuring Simon & Garfunkel's "The Sound of Silence" and "Mrs. Robinson," has become a cultural touchstone. The Graduate is considered a classic coming-of-age story that captures the era of the 60s, yet is also profoundly timely.
Plot
The film begins with Benjamin's return home to California after completing college. He is disillusioned and unsure about his future, which is further complicated by his parent's expectations and the pressure to choose a graduate school. Benjamin's life takes a turn when he is seduced by Mrs. Robinson, his father's business partner's wife.
However, his confusion deepens when he is reacquainted with Elaine, whom he has not seen since high school. Despite a rocky start, Benjamin and Elaine start to fall for each other, leading to a complicated situation. Benjamin must navigate his feelings for both Mrs. Robinson and Elaine while trying to figure out his post-graduate life.
The plot takes a dramatic turn when Benjamin crashes Elaine's wedding, fights off the irate wedding guests, and absconds with the bride. The film ends with Benjamin and Elaine sitting at the back of a bus, their future uncertain but filled with possibilities
Trailer
Cast
- Anne Bancroft as Mrs. Robinson
- Dustin Hoffman as Benjamin Braddock
- Katharine Ross as Elaine Robinson
- William Daniels as Mr. Braddock
- Murray Hamilton as Mr. Robinson
- Elizabeth Wilson as Mrs. Braddock
- Buck Henry as Room Clerk
- Brian Avery as Carl Smith
Director: Mike Nichols
Writers: Buck Henry & Calder Willingham
Box Office Gross: $105,015,008
Distributor: AVCO Embassy Pictures
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Release Date: December 21, 1967
Themes & Reception
The Graduate explores themes of alienation, disillusionment, and the search for identity in the adult world. It delves into the complexities of intergenerational relationships and the societal pressures faced by young adults.
The film was well-received, garnering critical acclaim for its direction, performances, and soundtrack. It was a commercial success and received several Academy Award nominations, winning the Best Director award for Mike Nichols.
Challenges Faced
The production faced challenges in casting, with the role of Benjamin Braddock initially offered to several other actors before Dustin Hoffman was cast. Additionally, the iconic soundtrack by Simon & Garfunkel was not the original choice, but it was ultimately embraced and became integral to the film's success.
Settings
The film is set in the affluent suburbs of Southern California, capturing the societal norms and expectations of the time.
Visual Styles and Techniques
The film employs innovative visual storytelling techniques, including the use of unconventional camera angles and framing to convey the protagonist's sense of disorientation and entrapment.
Trivia and Fun Facts
- The famous line "Mrs. Robinson, you're trying to seduce me. Aren't you?" became a cultural reference point.
- The film's final scene, where the characters escape on a bus, has been interpreted as a metaphor for the uncertainty of the future.