THE GRADUATE
US, 1967, 108 minutes, Colour.
Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft, Katharine Ross, Murray Hamilton, Buck Henry, Norman Fell.
Directed by Mike Nichols.
The Graduate quickly became one of the most popular films of all time. Within eighteen months of release it was already third on the list of all-time box-office successes in the United States.
Somehow or other, it caught the mood of the times in 1967-8 and it was successfully re-released many times afterwards. Benjamin, the rather naive, inarticulate graduate had been given education and the ambitions of his U.S. establishment parents. However, he preferred to wait, to worry about his future and to find himself. Young audiences, although no Bens, were fascinated by this. They also felt repelled by the neurotic and ageing Mrs Robinson and were harsh In their judgements on her.
The dialogue (partly witty, often satirical), the colour and especially, the music of the film, by Simon and Garfunkel, ensured great popularity for it. 'The Sounds of Silence' became one of the anthems for the mood of the times. However, 'Scarborough Fair’, 'Mrs Robinson', etc. are used effectively. While the film will date (most do), it has enough wit, insight and good direction and acting to ensure continued interest in it. The three principals were nominated for Oscars, but only director, Mike Nichols, won the award. This was the beginning of Dustin Hoffman's successful career.
1. Did you like this film? How did Simon and Garfunkel's music comment on and help the mood of the film?
2. Is 'The Sounds of Silence' a corresponding commentary on the themes of The Graduate? How does the song 'Mrs Robinson' comment on that character?
3. Is Benjamin a credible 21 year old graduate? How is he presented as a product of the mid-60's environment?
4. Discuss the behaviour of his parents and the adults at his homecoming party and his birthday party, Why did Benjamin worry about his future?
5. Why did he succumb to Mrs Robinson? Apathy? Boredom? Any love? How did Mrs Robinson control him? (Everyone notes how Benjamin continued to call her 'Mrs Robinson'). Why can't Benjamin and Mrs Robinson carry on a conversation? She says they have little to say to one another.
6. The film is comedy and satire, e.g., the man who had only one word of advice, 'Plastics', and Benjamin’s awkwardness at the hotel. Satire effective or overdone?
7. What role does Elaine play in the film? Why does Benjamin humiliate her by taking her to the sleazy night club?
8. Discuss the scene where Benjamin tells the truth to Elaine and Mrs Robinson is shown gaunt, drenched and bedraggled at the door, and then isolated in a corner of white walls.
9. How did his pursuit of Elaine give Benjamin a purpose in life?
10. Was the 'goonery' of the ending inappropriate or did it fit into the style of the film? Was any other ending possible?
11. After discussing these aspects of the film, ask why so many people found 'The Graduate' such a good film and why young people found a hero in the inarticulate and troubled Benjamin.
12. How do Carl, his Berkeley friends and the Berkeley landlord show us Benjamin's sincerity?
13. While young people sympathised, with Benjamin's search for himself, they were unsympathetic towards Mrs Robinson's similar quest. Is this unfair to Mrs Robinson? Why? How do you explain Mrs Robinson and was she a victim of circumstances and environment?
