•
Rating: Hello darkness my old friend...
It is certainly not easy to review certain pillars, certain classics that have defined an era, marking, in some way, a bit of all cinema. "The Graduate" is one of the most famous and important films ever, probably.
Despite its simplicity, its lightness if you will, it’s a film that remains well imprinted from the first viewing. The keys are many; certainly, the historic interpretation of a young (but not as young as the character) Dustin Hoffman, in the role of the very awkward young graduate very fearful of the future.
"Mrs. Robinson, you're trying to seduce me!"
Brazenly seduced by Mrs. Robinson, he first resists "stoically" - in the magnificent opening sequences in the Robinsons' house - then inevitably succumbs to Mrs. Robinson's charm, also and especially out of frustration. However, shortly after, when he realizes he wants the daughter Elaine, he finds himself trapped in the most perverse, paradoxical, and embarrassing of entanglements. The one on which the entire story will be based.
Who knows how many have identified with this story; and who knows how many dreams and fantasies (any personal references are purely coincidental...) this film, masterfully directed by Mike Nichols, has stirred. And how many at the time were scandalized by themes perhaps light today, but certainly more "transgressive" at the time, considering that it was '67, this must be remembered. The mentioned but never too praised Hoffman will find in this work his definitive springboard, his first important role that will consecrate him as one of the greatest of all time. Simultaneously, it still remains his most famous interpretation today, if not the most important and fitting one.
The ending, without revealing it, although I think you all know it well, remains one of the most famous ever; so much so that it also inspired a hilarious Simpsonian parody.
Certainly, the soundtrack deserves a section of its own, indeed, it would deserve its own review. The real added value to this already wonderful film is represented precisely by the wonderful at times enchanting Soundtrack, signed by Simon & Garfunkel. Still, the splendid notes of "The Sound Of Silence", "Scarborough Fair," and "Mrs. Robinson" remain the film's distinctive trait and at the same time the very peak of the two songwriters. Impossible not to lose oneself in the close-ups of Benjamin with the duo's music in the background.
For all this and still more, an indispensable and fundamental film. A true pillar, as I said at the beginning. And forgive me if this review didn't come out at its best, I had to fill this gap and talk about this masterpiece. Paying homage to one of the very first classics I saw, many years ago.
"...And the vision that was planted in my brain still remains, within the sounds of silence..."
Loading comments slowly
Other reviews
By joe strummer
"Fifty-six years later, 'The Graduate' remains a refreshingly contemporary film."
"The direction builds perspective cages and altered visions to remind us of the invisible prisons in which the characters are trapped."
By Relator
What is an aquarium if not a 'cage' where the unfortunate fish follow marked and repetitive paths?
The happy ending reassures all the baby boom fans but accompanies cinephiles for 60 years until today, a classic, as current as its enchanting soundtrack by Simon and Garfunkel.
