Mike Nichols 1967 film, “The Graduate” tells the story of Benjamin Braddock, (Dustin Hoffman) an uncertain college graduate who is torn between his much older lover and her daughter.

“The Graduate” is one of the most complex stories told in the most simple of ways. The subtle growth of the story almost makes it seem like it’s not really happening, that it is a dream, that Ben will soon wake up from. Ben returns home from college to proud parents and neighbors who are so excited for his future. One of these neighbors is Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft) who seduces the vulnerable Ben, and starts a lengthy love affair between the two of them.

Mrs. Robinson has a daughter named Elaine (Katharine Ross) who is also just graduating college. Ben’s parents and Elaine’s father want the two to date, but Mrs. Robinson is very against this idea. Ben and Elaine eventually go out and Ben quickly falls in love with her, and the story grows even more complex.

I recommend going and watching this movie to find out how this ridiculous but great story ends. “The Graduate” is one of my favorite movies and is a classic American movie, that was adapted from the novel of the same name by Charles Webb.  

This film was part of the revolution in the 1960s of cinema, where directors started to make films with more controversial topics and visual content. Films like “Bonnie and Clyde,” “Easy Rider” and “Dr. Strangelove” also were among some of the controversial films of this era.  

There was also a lot of controversy on the casting in this movie. Originally the role of Ben Braddock was supposed to go to Robert Redford, because he had more lead actor attributes. Director Nichols broke from the norm and took a chance casting a little known stage actor at the time, Hoffman. Hoffman proved he was the man for the job and became very well-known after the release of this film.

This film is driven by some of the most subtle performances that set up the most dramatic of events. Hoffman and Bancroft both portray their characters with so much vulnerability that we understand and sympathize with what they are doing. Nichols was able to pull out amazing performances from some of the best actors of the day. Nichols was a fan of improvisation; he allowed his actors freedom so they could bring most of themselves to the role, and this gave him two of the most truthful performances ever seen on film. Those performances lead to Nichols being the first director to earn $1 million. Also the mood for this film is set right from the start by the great music of Paul Simon with songs like “Sounds of Silence,” “Mrs. Robinson” and “Scarborough Fair” performed by Simon and Garfunkel.

Nichols once said, “any good movie is filled with secrets,” and that is exactly what this movie is. “The Graduate” forces audiences to think about the future for the young couple, Ben and Elaine, and when secrets are revealed, what will happen to their relationship. This film has inspired many filmmakers to follow their own dreams. Everyone should see this movie and enter the unique lives of these extravagant but all to normal characters.