THE GRADUATE
A film review by David Landers
Copyright 1997 David Landers
RATING: *** 1/2 out of **** - 8.5 out of 10.0
CAST: Craig Warnock (Kevin), David Rappaport (Randall), Kenny Baker
(Fidgit), Malcolm Dixon (Strutter), Mike Edmonds (Og), Jack Purvis
(Wally), Tiny Ross (Vermin), John Cleese (Robin Hood), Sean Connery (King
Agamemnon), Ian Holm (Napoleon), Ralph Richardson (Supreme Being), David
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THE GRADUATE
A film review by David Landers
Copyright 1997 David Landers
RATING: *** 1/2 out of **** - 8.5 out of 10.0 CAST: Dustin Hoffman (Benjamin Braddock), Anne Bancroft (Mrs. Robinson), Katharine Ross (Elaine Robinson), William Daniels I (Mr. Braddock), Elizabeth Wilson (Mrs. Braddock), Murray Hamilton (Mr. Robinson) DIRECTOR: Mike Nichols CERTIFICATION: R (USA) YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 1967 ACADEMY AWARDS: Best Director (Nichols) ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATIONS: Best Actor (Hoffman), Best Actress (Bancroft), Best Supporting Actress (Ross), Best Cinematography (Robert Surtees), Best Adapted Screenplay (Buck Henry and Calder Willingham)
THE GRADUATE, a terrific movie that paved the way for the careers of Dustin Hoffman and Mike Nichols, whose only previous directorial experience was in WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRIGINA WOOLF?, will long be remembered in the years to come. THE GRADUATE follows the events of recent college-grad Benjamin Braddock, a young man who is "concerned about his future", as one of the original theatrical posters put it.
Benjamin is the son of a businessman, and, when he returns home from college, he finds himself becoming involved with the wife of his father's business partner - Mrs. Robinson. You know, "And here's to you Mrs. Robinson . . . ". After a short series of flings with her, Benjamin finds himself wondering what he is doing. His parents want him to take out Elaine Robinson, the daughter of Mrs. Robinson. Benjamin doesn't think that she likes him very much, and Mrs. Robinson forbids him to take her out. He does anyway, in an attempt to steer her away. His means for doing this are driving erratically, walking ahead of her throughout the date, and taking her to a type of strip-show where he displays more interest in the performers than her. His plan works well, but he finds himself feeling sorry for her and decides to pursue her more. After attempting to put Mrs. Robinson out of the picture, Benjamin concentrates fully on Elaine. But Mrs. Robinson is determined to put an end to it, and the events that follow are a great piece of work involving Benjamin trying to avoid Mrs. Robinson and to regain Elaine Robinson. Eventually, Benjamin learns that Elaine is to be married to another man, and he decides it is upon himself to rescue her.
THE GRADUATE is a very memorable movie with many unforgettable scenes, and Dustin Hoffman's performance is extremely good. Definitely a must-see movie. You'll need to see it in order to understand all the references to the "Mrs. Robinson, you're trying to seduce me . . ." line.
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