The Graduate

Director Mike Nichols’ multi-award-winning comedy drama, hailed as one of the most influential movies of all time (not to mention the controversy it caused upon its initial release back in 1967) has just been released as a Collector’s Edition 2-disc set (4K UHD and Blu-ray). Dustin Hoffman delivers an unforgettable performance as the naive college graduate who falls prey to the neurotic and alcoholic Mrs. Robinson though really, it’s her daughter he fancies. One of the undisputed masterpieces of American independent cinema and who could forget the equally unforgettable soundtrack recorded by Simon & Garfunkel!

When Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman) looks forward to a bit of down-time in his parents home in Pasadena, having just earned his bachelor’s degree, his proud Mum (Elizabeth Wilson) and equally proud Dad (William Daniels) have other ideas. For one, they throw a huge ‘welcome home’ party for their son, inviting neighbours, friends, colleagues and what have you while Mrs. Braddock doesn’t miss an opportunity to boast about her son’s achievements…much to the chagrin to Benjamin, who simply isn’t in a party mood and sneaks off to his room for some peace and quiet. He barely has time to sit down when family friend Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft) enters his room, pretending she is looking for the bathroom but we know within a few minutes that this is not only a spoilt and headstrong woman used to get what she wants but clearly, she doesn’t give a hoot about her hubby (Murray Hamilton). We know she doesn’t give a hoot because she explains matter of factly that her husband has been driving off to somewhere else and now she asks Benjamin to give her a lift home in his car, as she has no idea when her husband will return to the Braddock household to pick her up. Hesitating but not wishing to be impolite, seeing how Mrs. Robinson is an old friend of the family, Benjamin obliges and no sooner does he arrive in Mrs. Robinson’s house when she shows her real colours…

The ensuing scene during which she applies every trick in the book to seduce an increasingly uncomfortable Benjamin is truly comical, particularly when he remarks that “the conversation is getting a little too French for me”. Equally comical are their secret get-togethers in a hotel although there are also moments of drama and sadness, namely when Mrs. Robinson, during a rare moment of displaying raw emotions, confesses that many years back, she had studied art with the intent of making a career out of it. Along came her romance with Mr. Robinson and - finding herself pregnant - she had to give up her dreams of becoming an artist and got married instead. No wonder perhaps she the turned out to be a neurotic alcoholic who puts the blame for everything on her husband (who, by the way), loves her.

Meanwhile, Benjamin’s doting parents have already planned the next party in honour of their son, namely for his looming 21st birthday (Hoffman was 29 at the time of filming). Not having the slightest idea about what’s going on in Benjamin’s private life, although his Mum attempts to quiz him about his late night outings, they have invited the Robinsons to the birthday bash in the hope that Benjamin will hit it off with Elaine Robinson (Katharine Ross). If only! Their set up date ends in disaster when he takes her out to a strip bar of all places, but the disastrous first date is nothing compared to what will follow…

THE GRADUATE is as much a tale of two generations and different attitudes as it is a tale of the emerging counter-culture in 1960s America, with students in particular rebelling against conformity and traditional values. This rebel-yell attitude is further emphasised when Benjamin makes it clear to his parents that he doesn’t actually know what he wants to do with his life, only that he wants to do something ‘different’. Of course, the ‘controversial’ bit (remember, this was the 1960s…) comes towards the film’s climax when Benjamin succeeds in sabotaging Elaine’s wedding to medical student Carl Smith (Brian Avery) - after the church ceremony and running out of the church, with Elaine in tow. If that isn’t sticking up a finger to tradition and conformity, then what is?

Robert Surtees’ cinematography must be mentioned, his surreal touches, combined with Sam O’Steen’s editing, ensure that occasionally, the film borders on the surreal. THE GRADUATE was the highest grossing film of 1967 both in the United States and in Canada and deservedly so. Decades later, it has lost nothing of its charm and allure! And here’s to you, Mrs. Robinson…

Special Features:
Bonus Blu-ray / Audio commentaries / Meeting with an Author: Charles Webb / One on One with Dustin Hoffman / The Graduate: Looking Back / The Graduate at 25 / Students of The Graduate / Screen Tests / Scene Analysis / About the Music / The Seduction Featurette