CAST: Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft, Katherine Ross, William Daniels, Elizabeth Wilson, Murray Hamilton, Buck Henry, Brian Avery, Norman Fell, Walter Brooke, Alice Ghostley, Marion Lorne, Eddra Gale, Lainie Miller, Mike Farrell, Richard Dreyfuss.
DIRECTOR: Mike Nichols
SCREENWRITER: Calder Willingham & Buck Henry
STUDIO: Metro Goldwyn Mayer / Embassy Pictures / Joseph E. Levine Productions
RATED: PG (US) & 15 (UK); for strong adult themes, suggested sex, brief nudity, and some language.
DVD AVAILABILITY: 5 GBP from Amazon; ASIN# B00004CYS5
40th ANNIVERSARY DVD EDITION: 10 GBP from Amazon; ASIN# B00000F798 (Region 1 Only)
****************************************************************** INTRODUCTION: THE SOUNDS OF SILENCE ******************************************************************
I first saw THE GRADUATE when I was in high school, and would you believe me when I said that I didn't care for it? Both of my parents had persuaded me to sit down and watch it, and for some reason or another it just didn't grab me. I had seen plenty of classic films like THE APARTMENT and THE BIG SLEEP that I thought it would be a rewarding experience, and I ended up being disappointed. Looking back on that first viewing, I don't think the reasons were that the film was too mature and adult, or that it was dated (as there are elements which make it ingrained in the late 1960s), though I believe it was because I couldn't relate to it. Watching it several times since then, it slowly and surely began to click for me, and now it is one of my all time favorite films. Yes, indeed, THE GRADUATE was one of those films that slowly grew on me, and it's no big secret that Mike Nichols' coming-of-age tale has been recycled and ripped-off so many times that some of the edge is unfortunately gone.
Nevertheless, THE GRADUATE remains a genuine classic, a landmark film of the 1960s which spoke to an entire generation; the rich performances, sensitive direction, hilarious screenplay, sharp editing, iconic images, and the irresistible Simon & Garfunkel score combine for a timeless examination of a young man who is stuck at a pivotal moment of his life, and circumstances will take him (as well as the viewer) in a direction he never imagined after college. Recently, I purchased the 40th Anniversary Collector's Edition, which has a stunning array of special features and I fell in love with the film all over again. So, now I'm pleased to give you my review on this film as we celebrate 40 years of plastics, the sounds of silence, toothbrushes, first love, and the original MILF of the silver screen, Mrs. Robinson; yes, you read that right: all you kids better get Stiffler's Mom out of your head because she can't even compare with this cougar.
****************************************************************** MRS . ROBINSON, ARE YOU TRYING TO SEDUCE ME? ******************************************************************
Recently graduated, 21-year-old Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman) has come home to relax after four long years of studies. Both of his parents are loving and are more than happy he is home, though they upset him by using him as a virtual puppet to all their friends, boasting his accomplishments. Ben just wants to be left alone, and keep himself in a corner as he figures out what he wants to do with his life. As a matter of fact, while he isn't exactly depressed, he is completely lost and attempts to come to grips with the fact that he is now an adult, and must move to an uncertain future. His world would change completely when Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft) pays him a visit; she is his mother's best friend, dazzlingly attractive and seems to be acting strangely, wanting more than a simply chat. She demands that Ben drives her home against his better wishes; still, he submits and it is while they are talking at her house that he realizes the unthinkable: Mrs. Robinson is trying to seduce him!
Ben is more than intimidated (particularly when she approaches him completely naked), and decides to escape before the situation gets more chaotic. Naturally, he runs into Mr. Robinson (Murray Hamilton) who intends to give him a little speech on his future. Returning home, Ben must undergo another series of showmanship by his parents, including presenting his graduation gift (a scuba suit) and actually giving a demonstration! Rightfully embarrassed, he realizes he must get out of the house more, and he actually gives Mrs. Robinson a call. They meet at a hotel downtown, at which time Ben's nervousness rises so high that it's almost as if he might crack at any moment. However, Mrs. Robinson comforts him accordingly, and soon they are meeting every Thursday for some kinky sexual activity.
The major twist comes in the form of Elaine (Katherine Ross), one of Ben's friends from high school who is longing to catch up with him; there is just one tiny problem: she is Mrs. Robinson's daughter! Surely, Mrs. Robinson doesn't intend for her affair with Ben to be compromised, yet Ben's parents manage to set up a date. The night starts out rough, with Ben attempting to taint the potential courtship, yet when he goes too far by taking Elaine to a strip club, his defenses break down. Ben apologizes profusely, and soon he and Elaine fall deeply in love with each other…and, yes, that is all I will dare reveal for the sake of first time viewers.
****************************************************************** ARE YOU HERE FOR AN AFFAIR, SIR? ******************************************************************
When THE GRADUATE was released in December of 1967, it became a gargantuan success and the biggest box-office hit of the year, and the primary reason for that is because it said things on film which previous ones that hadn't dared to even mention…well, with the exception of REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE, that is. Plus, the film felt fresh because of its unconventional storytelling and moods; this was really the first time that montages were used to great effect, as it exhibited themes without relying on dialogue. The film takes its cue from a 1962 novel by Charles Webb which was written when the author was actually 21 years old! Webb was able to craft a portrait of early 60s youth that was real and potent, and the success of the book is ultimately what led to the rights being bought for a film adaptation. The first draft of the screenplay was written by Calder Willingham, and the studio soon hired a young director named Mike Nichols to helm it; while Willingham's script was faithful to Webb's book, Nichols wasn't satisfied with it, so he brought onboard comedy writer Buck Henry to do a rewrite.
In the meantime, Nichols decided to make his directing debut with WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, which broke Hollywood taboos with its shocking use of adult language; however, the film was a hit and Nichols was soon in high demand. As for Henry, he was able to inject into the screenplay sly humor and pathos, as well as enrich the characterizations of Ben, Elaine, and Mrs. Robinson. Ben is someone we all could identify with, because at some time or another we are entering a world which has millions of opportunities; seriously, there are times when we just want to relax, soak up the sun, and not even think about that. That is why THE GRADUATE is a magnificent coming-of-age tale: it exhibits the kind of escape from reality that we all long for at a young age. One of the most unforgettable parts is when one of the friends of the family approaches Ben with the simple line: "I just have one word for you: plastics!" It struck a nerve with audiences because it's almost as if we are expected to go on a prerequisite path to success, when it should be worked for and earned with our own determination. The point is that once we enter adulthood, we tend to drown in our own uncertainty; there are several effective scenes in the beginning which showcase that, including the opening shot where Ben is sitting with a fish tank behind him and when he stays underwater for what seems like an eternity in the pool wearing the scuba suit. Whether you wanted to go into plastics or oceanography, it never mattered at the time.
The studio thought Robert Redford was the perfect choice to play Ben, though Nichols objected and in fact told Redford he would be all wrong because Ben was a loser in many respects. Nichols asked Redford if he had ever struck out with a girl, and Redford asked him what he meant by that; in response, the director just said, "I rest my case!" Reportedly, casting took months and months, and when stage actor Dustin Hoffman came in, Nichols knew he found the right choice, though Hoffman was so scared of doing the part because he felt he was miscast. In essence, that fear actually added to the performance, because the character was not so much different throughout the first half. If you notice, Benjamin Braddock is virtually passive throughout the first half, and when the second half begins be becomes more active, as he goes on a mission which seems impossible. This debut performance by Hoffman was more than impressive, all the more so when you consider the fact he was actually 30 years old when he did it! Still, you never question it, as he sells his character with just the right amount of intimidation, rebellion, and coolness; we sympathize with him because of his uncomfortable predicament and innocence, and we support him when he sets out for the only thing he wants. (Plus, you gotta love that whimper he does when he finds himself at the mercy of Mrs. Robinson!)
****************************************************************** THE MOST ATTRACTIVE OF ALL HIS PARENTS FRIENDS ******************************************************************
Anne Bancroft probably had no idea that Mrs. Robinson would become her most famous and celebrated role; she had won a well-deserved Best Actress Oscar five years prior playing Annie Sullivan, who helped the blind and deaf Helen Keller escape her world of silence and darkness in THE MIRACLE WORKER. By the time THE GRADUATE came along, she already established herself as a highly respected actress, and she had gotten married to Mel Brooks, a union which would last until her death in 2005. Critics can complain all they want that we never fully understand what pushes Mrs. Robinson to seduce Ben, though it's obvious that she is seeking an escape from her lifeless marriage. Then again, what does it matter? Her dramatic need is emphasized in that she is looking for sexual satisfaction, not for serious relationship, which no doubt would have damaged Ben's character as well as his future. Bancroft's performance is truly daring and seductive (pun attended) in every imaginable way, as she radiates sexiness and sophistication. She was a consummate and a professional actress who is now missed; her final film---the animated DELGO---is going to be released later on this year.
Modern audiences are no doubt largely unfamiliar with whom Katherine Ross is, though she is really a fine actress, and as with so many others, her career has unfortunately suffered due to ageism. She may be best known for playing Etta Place in BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID, and as the lead of Joanna in the original 1975 version of THE STEPFORD WIVES, though my personal favorite role of hers is Elaine Robinson. Impeccably beautiful and exceedingly charming, it is simply impossible not to feel for her; the sequence in the strip club where she is embarrassed and humiliated never fails to move me, though its only one of many in a series of memorable moments. I don't care what anyone says, but I would love to marry Elaine Robinson (even if she didn't like me, hehe)!
Among the notable supporting performances are William Daniels & Elizabeth Wilson as the parents you would love to hate; Wilson's scream after Ben comes to them with some news is now legendary. Murray Hamilton takes over the role of Mr. Robinson which was initially given to Gene Hackman (who was also very unknown at the time); however, Hamilton pulls off the role with gusto. Yes, that is screenwriter Buck Henry as the desk clerk in the Taft Hotel ("Are you here for an affair, sir?"), and Norman Fell is terrific as the manager of the Berkeley rooming house. However, you have to have pay careful attention to catch a 20-year-old Richard Dreyfess, making his uncredited film debut as a Berkeley student who threatens to call the police on Hoffman; it is the only time you will ever see those two great actors ever appear on screen together.
****************************************************************** ARE YOU GOING TO SCARBOROUGH FAIR? ******************************************************************
Amazingly, the film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Actor, Actress, Supporting Actress, Cinematography (Robert Surtees), and Adapted Screenplay….yet it would only win one, and that went to director Mike Nichols; just in case you are wondering, it lost most of those awards to the brooding racist drama IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT starring Rod Steiger and Sidney Poiter, which is a classic in its right. However, I'm one of many that think that THE GRADUATE should have gotten all the top honors….and it's an absolute disgrace that the film didn't get nominations for Best Score and Original Song. Put it simply, the original score by Dave Grusin & Paul Simon (along with the songs by Simon & Garfunkel) are really the icing on the cake. Delicate and wonderfully romantic, the score never fails to serve the story and its themes; however, it is admittedly the songs that everyone remembers long after the film is over.
Has anyone reading this review seriously never heard of the song "Mrs. Robinson," which has become of the most played and adapted songs in the history of film? Hell, it was even used in the AMERICAN PIE films! It was written directly for THE GRADUATE (as if you didn't guess by now), while the other songs "The Sounds of Silence," "Scarborough Fair," and "April Come She Will" are used perfectly throughout even though they had already been a staple on radio stations in the mid-60s. I had mentioned earlier the groundbreaking use of montages which Nichols employs, and it is true that there are some sequences which allow the songs to play while watching the characters and their actions. If you really want to nit-pick and say they play some of the songs a bit too often that is fine, though I think they are just too good, that it doesn't really matter. Try to listen to the lyrics while keeping up with the film, because they really do add to the drama unfolding.
****************************************************************** IN LOVE WITH KATHERINE **************************************************************** **
While it is true that THE GRADUATE has been on DVD for a number of years, the prints have ranged from pristine to flawed, and the discs have been disappointingly bare-bones, which basically means no special features. The first DVD came out in 2001 in the UK, though the film was just re-released today in HD DVD format; however, at only 5 GBP, you can't really go wrong with the original DVD release, although the picture and audio quality had its fair share of defects, including grain and occasional scratches. However, if you are a true fan of THE GRADUATE as I am, then I strongly recommend you obtain the 40th Anniversary Collector's Edition, which just came out this week in the States; not only does the film look and sound better than ever before, it also has a stunning lineup of extras. While this edition is only available on Region 1 at the moment, you could probably still play it on your computer or laptop, as you can change the region specifics easily.
Is the Collector's Edition really worth it? Well, let me put it this way: you don't get one but TWO audio commentaries, with the first one being with Dustin Hoffman and Katherine Ross. Despite the fact it has been decades since they worked together on THE GRADUATE, they still manage to recall a lot about being cast and making the film, though Ross is much more quiet for some reason. Hoffman is simply engaging to listen to, whether is he talking about his discussions with director Nichols at the time on the character (is he or is he not a virgin?), and his extreme shyness with working with the professional and experienced Anne Bancroft. However, probably the most interest revelation is when Hoffman confesses to Ross that he had a serious crush on her while filming; her reaction was proof that this was the first time she ever heard that. (Hoffman was dating a girl at the time who would later become his first wife, though he said half the time he was thinking about Katherine even when he wasn't working!).
The second audio commentary will appeal more to film buffs than average audience members, and that one is between Mike Nichols and director Steven Soderbergh; no doubt you have seen some of the latter's films, which include OCEAN'S ELEVEN and ERIN BROCKOVICH, though he won an Oscar for directing 2000's TRAFFIC. Soderbergh says that this film was a huge influence for him, and he interviews Nichols with many questions about the filmmaking process and the journey to get THE GRADUATE made. Nichols provides a lot of insightful information, as he talks about the casting, writing, and the ideas he incorporated for his unique style of song and montage. He also mentions that he chose Richard Dreyfuss out of a bunch of extras, and has the suspicion who go on to bigger things; Soderbergh says he had a similar experience making his own debut film, which was 1989's SEX, LIES, AND VIDEOTAPE. To be honest, these are two of the best commentaries I've ever heard, they are indeed worth buying the DVD for.
Among the other extras are several featurettes, starting with "Students of THE GRADUATE," which features interviews with many filmmakers and film professors who have been inspired by Nichols' film, including the husband-and-wife team who made the 2006 gem LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE. Co-screenwriter Buck Henry also gets to speak about his approach to the project; here again, this will probably be more appealing to film buffs and die-hard fans, though still worthwhile. There is another feature called "The Seduction," which discusses the social classes of the 1960s, and how Benjamin Braddock changes by not only Mrs. Robinson but because of the times. The many iconic images are also pointed out, including the jungle imagery which is present with Mrs. Robinson, and Nichols' creation of them. There are two features which had been previously shown on TV for the film's 25th anniversary, including an interview with Hoffman and another featurrette: THE GRADUATE AT 25. There is also an original theatrical trailer, along with a bonus CD with a selection of Simon & Garfunkel songs.
The most impressive thing about the Collector's Edition, however, is the print of the film itself; at 40 years old, the picture is bright and near-perfect, with no edge enhancement detected, and the black levels are incredible. Indeed, you would think the film was made yesterday, and finally THE GRADUATE can be watched as it was meant to be: in widescreen and 5.1 Dolby Stereo surround sound which enhance the power of the Simon & Garfunkel music even more. At only 10 GBP, you simply cannot go wrong; as I said before, your laptop should have no problem playing it, though I'll be sure to let you all know when it will be released on Region 2.
****************************************************************** ACC EPT NO SUBSTITUTES ************************************************************** ****
As funny and moving as ever before, with an unforgettable ending, THE GRADUATE is truly a rare film that gets richer with repeated viewings. I honestly can't find any fault with this film, despite the fact it took many years for me to appreciate it for what it is; what is scary is that this story is so contemporary (despite being made in the 1960s) that a remake seems frighteningly inevitable. In 2005, we had the romantic comedy RUMOR HAS IT… which had a lot of direct connections with THE GRADUATE, though I viewed it more as a heavy-handed offshoot…and besides, the cute-but-overrated Jennifer Aniston is no Katherine Ross.
Sure, I know there are those who are not fans of THE GRADUATE anyway---though don't give me the film's age as an excuse. Say all you want about the 60s fashion and hairstyles, though the themes are still very much real today. What's ironic is that the biggest complaint about the film when it was first released is that it didn't comment on Vietnam, which was very much an issue at the time; Nichols was simply being faithful to Webb's novel, which was written in 1962, before Vietnam had even begun. So, in essence, references to Vietnam would have seriously dated the film!
In conclusion, I wanted to say that I returned from a trip to Los Angeles that I enjoyed very much, though I'm very much back in writing mode. Thanks ever so much for reading, and if you have any more questions about THE GRADUATE, don't hesitate to ask me, though I'm sure most of you will agree I've provided sufficient information in this review. Take care all, and hit it:
….And here's to you Mrs. Robinson / Jesus loves you more than you will know / God Bless you please Mrs. Robinson / Heaven holds a place for those who pray…Hey hey hey....R.I.P. Anne Bancroft (1931-2005)
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