#5: Movie Review: The Graduate

The Graduate perfectly captures the mundane life of a recently graduated adult along with the luxuries of laziness but with a comedic twist.

Many movies from the 60's can be difficult to watch because of the old fashioned effects but I understand why "The Graduate" was awarded an Oscar (for Best Director). The Graduate, directed by Mike Nichols, opened in 1967 with stars such as Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft, and Katharine Ross.

I have seen 60's movies such as The Yellow Submarine, Psycho, and 2001: A Space Odyssey, but the Graduate is the one film where I found myself laughing along with the plot rather than at the poorly done special effects seen in the others.

The Graduate is about a college graduate who, instead of going to graduate school or finding a job, has an affair with his neighbor...who is a married mother.  It's a perfect combination between comedy and drama which is a nice mix of two usually conflicting genres. There are many uncomfortable moments in the movie but you will find yourself laughing more than anything.

The plot is simple but as the movie progresses it becomes more complex with the intricate detail of the scenarios and characters. Each of the actors portrays their characters excellently, making them much more believable and relatable. It is very nicely directed, using different perspectives and smooth scene changes that make the piece flow altogether. The soundtrack is also a nice compliment to the story but did not distract from the visuals which is usually hard to execute. The songs were alluring and did an outstanding job of telling the story. I was amazed at how each song accompanied a scene and helped elaborate on the plot and context, while being aesthetically appealing to the ear.

However, there are many moments throughout the film where there is unending silence; I felt uncomfortable in my seat and wanted the plot to move on.  Some scenes are random and unnecessary which may add to the more realistic feel to the movie but do not relate to the plot. The filmography does not always focus on the main subject of the scene which is frustrating and a weakness because it changes the perspective and understanding of the scenario.

I went into it not expecting much but was very impressed with the film as a whole. Every movie has its flaws but The Graduate is a splendid representation of movies from the 60's and a wonderful film on its own.