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The Graduate
The Graduate is a 1967 movie whose mina character is Benjamin Braddock, known as Dustin Hoffman as a stage name. he has just finished college and is trying to avoid the one question everyone asks; what does he want to do with his life? An unanticipated diversion crops up when Hoffman is seduced by Anne Bancroft, a bored housewife, and friend of his parents. However, what starts as a fun tryst turns complicated as Benjamin falls for the one-woman Anne warned him to stay away from, who happens to be her daughter, Ellaine.
The movie has two standout performances. One is from a young actor who looks as if the world’s worries rested on his sawed-off body. Another one is the director whose spit and polish methodology at times borders on genius. Hoffman plays a significant role, a college grad who comes home with a sinking ego to stagnate in a Beverly Hills stucco with its inevitable cement watering hole.
The movie has some references and connections to other works. For instance, Hoffman’s precise shot, as seen through Anne Bancroft’s leg, was lifted from the 5 Against the House movie. The film featured Kim Novak’s leg with Guy Madison in the background. Also, the famous scene Anne Bancroft lowering her stockings for Hoffman is repeated with Lulu Kane and Jack Crabb.
The movie shifts gear madly from comedy to tragedy and back to comedy, runs away with itself, leaving Hoffman to drive it home. For instance, Mr. Braddock tells Benjamin Braddock, “what makes you think she wants to marry you,” and Benjamin Braddock replies, “oh, she does not. To be perfectly honest, she doesn’t like me.”
The director Nichols has cut the film of Hoffman with a masterful touch as it is cinematic. The actors are never caught talking but rather fiddle with a light switch, anything to keep their eyes busy.