The Graduate

The Graduate

At a Glance:
Score: 7/10 (10 being the highest)
Genre: Drama/Comedy
Director: Mike Nichols
Mrs. Robinson: Anne Bancroft
Benjamin Braddock: Dustin Hoffman
Elaine Robinson: Katharine Ross

The Graduate, though highly reviewed, left me bored and barren inside. This movie revolves around the affair between a college graduate and a housewife twice his age and its consequences. While this movie is funny and has many deeper meanings, the weak plot made it not pleasurable to watch.

After ending his affair with Mrs. Robinson, Benjamin falls in love with her daughter, Elaine. Elaine returns his affections, but is understandably grossed out when she discovers his love affair with her mom. Elaine says she never wants to see him again, but later relents after he stalks her at her college. Mrs. Robinson, however, does not want the two together and prevents Ben from seeing her while Elaine is preparing to get married to someone else. Ben finds Elaine at the wedding and the two run away together, locking all the guests in the church.

The movie is very funny and has some great quotes, “Don't you think that idea is a little half-baked? Oh no, Dad, it's completely baked” And “Wood? What? Wood or wire? They have both?” Comedy aside, the plot drags on and at times I find myself thinking what is the point of having him float in a pool for two minutes, or why there is such a weird camera angle. Regardless, this is one of the most parodied movies of all time and many of its scenes are famous.