What luck!. Review on The Graduate

It happens quite often. Life gives us things when we are least expecting them It puts us in situations we are most unprepared for. The Graduate makes no attempt to convey this message. It tells us a simple story of a young man (Dustin Hoffman plays Benjamin.) who in spite of being a graduate does not see light at the end of the tunnel. He has no plans and unexpected things come his way. He gives in to temptation. Though he learns and matures a lot in the process it adds on to his confusion. The wisdom (if I may call so) that he gathers during the time he was having fun (having an affair with a woman twice his age. He later falls in love with her daughter) helps him later find true love.

He realizes that he has been walking the path paved for him by someone else. He becomes disoriented and during this phase he unlearns and learns a lot. The end however is typical celluloid kind – disappointing no one – read a very happy end.

Why did I like this film?

Sheer curiosity is the explanation why I bought this movie. I was not disappointed. Dustin Hoffman does a brilliant job playing a fresh graduate confused about his future.

This movie released in 1967. (building, bridges and other structures in the background are awesome) The film despite having a typical end can be labeled as a different work. Also, having grown listening to the song (Here's to you Mrs. Robinson, Jesus loves you more than you will know...) I did had this urge to get behind the story of this song. And having seen this movie I am now even more in love with this song. (there is another song The Sound of Silence which I like a lot. Performed by Simon Garfunkel, it is continuously played in the background).

There is another reason why I like this movie. And it has nothing to do with the acting or direction. In many many ways I can relate to the role played by Dustin. A fresh graduate who is confused and not aware of his own worth. He is cool but waiting to emerge out of the shell. I guess many like me will identify with this movie.

What more can I tell?

Mrs Robinson is definitely worth a watch or two. Again, since I own this VCD I would not mind watching it once again (i guess I have done the same with Love Story.). Despite being a movie loaded with claustrophobic scenes (the camera work is shoddy and too slow) it continues to keep the interest of the viewer. Some of the scenes are hilarious though. This one scene where Hoffman arranges a clandestine meeting with Mrs Robinson. He is too nervous. Once in the hotel room he is not sure what to do? Mrs Robinson on the other hand tells starts undressing. Hoffman like an immature youth grabs her right b. He is instantly embarrassed and turns . The scene is hilarious.

Also, Mrs Robinson's seducing skills are worth a dekko. The movie straight away gets to the point. No dilly dallying. Plain approach. Its difficult not to like what falls straight.

The plot

Even if I reveal all scene by scene it will make no difference to the charm of this movie. Because the director (Mike Nichols) does a good job portraying the scenes and the their significance quite subtly. But that I am not going to do. But I am also not going to walk away without generating curiosity in your minds.

Elaine Robinson(played by Katharine Ross) is Mrs Robinson's daughter. She goes out for a date with Benjamin. And since Benjamin has been given instructions by Mrs Robinson to stay away from Elaine he tries his best to act awkward. He takes Elaine to a strip club. And acts really strange. He makes her cry. This is when they kiss for the first time and Benjamin knew that he was in love with Elaine. Almost tells her the truth. Elaine too sees through Benjamin. She knows he is different but was not aware that Benjamin was having an affair with her mother!

Mrs Robinson on the other hand tries her best to keep them separated. To know whether she succeeds or not you guys have to watch the movie.

Highly recommended.