50 Years Ago Today: The Graduate

Not many movies can stand the test of time. “The Graduate” surpasses those odds, delivering a solid, albeit slightly uncomfortable, romantic-comedy. While the jokes can be lacking at times, the dry humor of Dustin Hoffman’s awkward character Benjamin Braddock combined with great directing by Mike Nichols and a well-paced script make for an entertaining film overall.  It’s easy to see why this movie swept the awards season of its year. “The Graduate” centers around Braddock, who is home after finishing college. Immediately after arriving, he is seduced by the older Mrs. Robinson, played by Anne Bancroft. They begin an affair, but things get complicated when Braddock instead falls in love with her daughter, Elaine. His attempt to sort through the sticky situation leads to plenty of deadpan comedy, making the awkwardness of the situation fade. Another accompanying plot line is Braddock’s hesitancy to choose a grad school, showing his fear of truly growing up and moving on. The film’s notoriety was accompanied at the time of its release with negative attention due to its scandalous themes. Although an affair between a grown woman and 20 year old isn’t exactly PG (ironic given its movie rating is just that), it was more shocking in its time. Movies hadn’t depicted such sexual topics before, or they were shrouded by charm and romance. Compared to now, where raunchy comedy has become a flourishing genre, “The Graduate” seems relatively tame. Even if the shock of the sex appeal has faded for our generation, the theme of weariness to grow up is as relatable now as it was then. Whether you were a teenager when it came out or are just entering high school, “The Graduate” is worth a watch fifty years later.