The Graduate
I'll admit, when it comes to films I should have seen, I fall short. But I'm working my way back up, slowly. This weekend, we decided to hit up some older films that I hadn't seen, and on the top of the list was this 1967 classic, The Graduate.
Reviews had called it the "Magnolia of its time." I can understand their argument. This film stars a very young Dustin Hoffman as Benjamin Braddock, and Anne Brancroft as the (immortalized by Simon and Garfunkel,) Mrs. Robison. Mike Nichols leads this film towards a revolutionary form of editing and cinematography (of its time, of course.)
This film focuses on a man who has just graduated, and has no immediate plans for the future. He is propositioned by Mrs. Robison, one of his parents' friends, for sexual acts. For months, they play out a little game, until her daughter, Elaine, returns, and Benjamin falls in love with her. He must fight the scorn of her mother, and convince Elaine that he is the best choice for her future husband. Overall, a decent and entertaining film.
When it comes down to it, it's always hard to watch an older film for its technical side. This film was quite groundbreaking for its time; but by today's standard, we really wouldn't have noticed much of a difference. And as mentioned above, much like Magnolia's Amiee Mann, Nichols teamed up with Simon and Garfunkel to produce all the music for this film. I, being the ignorant younger man, had no idea that the song "Mrs. Robison," was from this film, and not just some random song. However, in a hand of criticism, I must say that after viewing this film, I have no desire to hear any of their music for at least a year. It seems to me that each song is played at the very least, three times, making the music so repetitive, that it seems to take away from the film.
Hoffman's interpretation of the character was certainly solid, as he performs the character very well. Again, though, it seems that his single-toned voice, and mono-toned lines were delivered so often that it took away from the character’s depth. At times, I felt that I understood what the Benjamin was going through; other times, I just couldn't listen to him any more.
That being said, it was a fun watch, and an enjoyable experience. I don't really have a desire to see the film again, but it's always good to go back and examine someone's roots. I'd suggest this film if you've not seen it. Find that couch of yours, and pick up the DVD. Perhaps get a box of Skittles or something. 7 of 10.
Reviews had called it the "Magnolia of its time." I can understand their argument. This film stars a very young Dustin Hoffman as Benjamin Braddock, and Anne Brancroft as the (immortalized by Simon and Garfunkel,) Mrs. Robison. Mike Nichols leads this film towards a revolutionary form of editing and cinematography (of its time, of course.)
This film focuses on a man who has just graduated, and has no immediate plans for the future. He is propositioned by Mrs. Robison, one of his parents' friends, for sexual acts. For months, they play out a little game, until her daughter, Elaine, returns, and Benjamin falls in love with her. He must fight the scorn of her mother, and convince Elaine that he is the best choice for her future husband. Overall, a decent and entertaining film.
When it comes down to it, it's always hard to watch an older film for its technical side. This film was quite groundbreaking for its time; but by today's standard, we really wouldn't have noticed much of a difference. And as mentioned above, much like Magnolia's Amiee Mann, Nichols teamed up with Simon and Garfunkel to produce all the music for this film. I, being the ignorant younger man, had no idea that the song "Mrs. Robison," was from this film, and not just some random song. However, in a hand of criticism, I must say that after viewing this film, I have no desire to hear any of their music for at least a year. It seems to me that each song is played at the very least, three times, making the music so repetitive, that it seems to take away from the film.
Hoffman's interpretation of the character was certainly solid, as he performs the character very well. Again, though, it seems that his single-toned voice, and mono-toned lines were delivered so often that it took away from the character’s depth. At times, I felt that I understood what the Benjamin was going through; other times, I just couldn't listen to him any more.
That being said, it was a fun watch, and an enjoyable experience. I don't really have a desire to see the film again, but it's always good to go back and examine someone's roots. I'd suggest this film if you've not seen it. Find that couch of yours, and pick up the DVD. Perhaps get a box of Skittles or something. 7 of 10.
posted by Admin at 2:12 PM
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