The Graduate

1. Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening.


Mike Nichols', "The Graduate" could have very well been the funniest American comedy movie that came out in 1967 according to film enthusiast Roger Ebert. The film itself was nominated for seven Academy Awards and Nichols actually won the Academy Award that year for Best Director. "The Graduate" is a very entertaining love story which follows Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman), as he intervenes with a married wife only in the end to fall in love with the same woman's daughter. The film was definitely a great start for Hoffman who later won two Oscar and also made Nichols a well-known name as an acclaimed director.


2. Find a related article and summarize the content.


"Any good movie is filled with secrets"- are the words of the late Mike Nichols who passed away just last week on November 19, 2014. "Here's to You, Mr. Nichols: The Making of the Graduate", is an article that was published in the Vanity Fair Magazine, that focused on the production process of making the iconic film. Sam Kashner offers insights as well as a lot of background information as he carefully in a 7 page article explain how the film came to life from the original novel written by Charles Webb. Several secrets are revealed in the article such as the casting of the relentless Benjamin Braddock, which Nichols initially wanted Robert Redford to play but instead casted little-known actor Dustin Hoffman.


3. Apply the article to the film screened in class.


From reading the article I developed a better understanding of the format used in the production of "The Graduate." I also was able to learn more about the movie making process and how selecting a the right cast can really be beneficial in the success of the film. Without the seductive Mrs. Robinson being played by Anne Bancroft, and the wittiness and shyness of Hoffman the movie might not have been as entertaining or convincing. Both put on amazing performances and make the movie very believable and amusing. Not only was the film entertaining but also became the highest-grossing motion picture of 1968, earning $35 million in its first six months, and The New Yorker referred to it as , "the biggest success in the history of movies."


4. Write a critical analysis of the film, including your personal opinion, formed as a result of the screening, class discussions, text material and the article.


In my opinion, I really enjoyed watching "The Graduate" because it was interesting from beginning to end. It showed a problem in which was very unethical and uncommon, which was a younger male having an affair with a married women. I found the plotline very intriguing as I liked watching Hoffman go on a relentless journey to find the girl of his dreams. From reading the article and watching the film I can agree with Kashner as he says the movie came out at the right time and that could also be another reason it was very popular when it first came out. Even 40 years later the film is still very relatable to society and it is a must watch in my opinion to really understand the history of films.