Hello and welcome to the first edition of Movies I Like(and You Will Too), a brand new section on this blog. In this one I talk about films I like and why I like them. The idea of this section is to recommend films that I like to you, my reader through various reasons as to why I like the films. Our first edition revolves around the 1967 classic The Graduate starring Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft.
Background:
In 1963, Charles Webb wrote a novel entitled The Graduate. It told the story of Benjamin Braddock, a young man who had just finished graduating from college and his affair with Mrs. Robinson, an older woman who is the wife of Ben’s father’s business partner. In 1966 Embassy Pictures, an Independent company began production on the film. The part of Ben Braddock proved difficult to cast as originally it was set to be Warren Beatty, who was replaced by Robert Redford and then Charles Grodin before settling on a then-unknown Dustin Hoffman.
For the role of Mrs. Robinson Grayson Hall, Judy Garland, and Patricia Neal were considered before Anne Bancroft was selected. The film also featured Katherine Ross as Elaine Robinson, William Daniels as Mr. Braddock, Murray Hamilton as Mr. Robinson, and Elizabeth Wilson as Mrs. Braddock.
What’s To Like:
Dustin Hoffman as Ben Braddock-This was Hoffman’s very first role in a film after years of television and stage acting. Despite being a little too old for a college graduate (Hoffman was 30 while Braddock was supposed to be 22), he pulls the part of Ben Braddock off very well with undertones of a confused young man looking for something in the world and not being sure on what his future looks like. He also manages to pull off the “awkwardness” of Ben Braddock. Ben is not the typical type of college kid who goes to class, studies, and parties but more of someone who’s looking for something in his life. As the film shows Ben’s lack of sexual inexperience is showcased (which adds to the awkwardness of his character as scenes with him and Anne Bancroft show) and Hoffman plays the part of the reluctant, sexually inexperienced, shy college graduate very well.
Anne Bancroft as Mrs. Robinson-The role of Mrs. Robinson was quite a different part for Anne Bancroft at this point of her career as she had previously played “lighter”, more “sympathetic” characters. In this film she plays a character that in a way is similar to Ben in a few aspects. We learn about Mrs. Robinson throughout her affair and when you listen to her story it makes her character compare with Ben in the aspect that he’s reluctant about his future while she has already had her life in place and in her mind “ruined” by obstacles thrown along her way. Anne plays the part of the sexually unfulfilled and miserable 40-something very well and is quite tempting to look at throughout the film.
Simon and Garfunkel-This was the one of the first films to incorporate the use of popular music by real bands into a movie. It’s the use of the music that makes it work. The songs featured by Simon and Garfunkel include: The Sound of Silence, April Come She Will, Scarborough Fair/Canticle, and Mrs. Robinson. Each song fits its respective scenes well and contributes to one of the best music soundtracks in cinematic history.
The Things You May Not Have Noticed-The Graduate is one of those films that have things that tend to go by unnoticed if you don’t pay close attention or think about. One of the things that may go unnoticed is Norman Fell as Mr. McCleery, the landlord. This preceded Fell’s part as Mr. Roper in Three’s Company by a full 10 years. The Mr. McCleery character is very much the same as Mr. Roper 10 years later. Another thing from the apartment scene is a cameo appearance by a young Richard Dreyfuss playing the role of a tenant.
Fun Facts:
Adjust for inflation, The Graduate has made $680,292,600 and ranks Number 19 all-time in the highest grossing films in the U.S. and Canada.
The Graduate was filmed on a 3 million dollar budget and went on to gross 104 million in 1967.
The Graduate soundtrack rose to Number 1 in 1968 surpassing The Beatles’ The White Album.
The film was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in 1996.
The American Film Institute named it the 17th best film of all-time in 2007.
Awards Won:
Academy Awards:
Best Director-Mike Nichols
BAFTA:
Best Direction-Mike Nichols
Best Film
Best Film Editing-Sam O’Steen
Best Screenplay-Calder Willingham and Buck Henry
Most Promising Newcomer in a Lead Role-Dustin Hoffman
Directors Guild of America:
Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures-Mike Nichols, Don Kranze, Lynn Guthrie
Golden Globes:
Best Motion Picture Comedy/Musical
Best Motion Picture Actress Comedy/Musical-Anne Bancroft
Best Motion Picture Director-Mike Nichols
Most Promising Newcomer Female-Katharine Ross
Most Promising Newcomer Male-Dustin Hoffman
Grammy Awards:
Best Original Score for a Motion Picture-Simon and Garfunkel
Laurel Awards:
Best Supporting Actress-Katharine Ross
New York Film Critics Circle:
Best Director-Mike Nichols
Writer’s Guild of America:
Best Written American Comedy-Calder Willingham and Buck Henry
Overall whether it’s my own opinion or the opinion of others, The Graduate remains as one of the greatest films as all-time after 43 years. It is one of my personal favorites. Give it a chance and it may become one of your personal favorites too.
