The Graduate
One of the most nerve-wrecking events in a man's life is meeting his fiancee's parents. Meet the Parents shows a worst-case scenario of a man making a bad impression on his future in-laws. Luckily, most men don't mess up as badly as Greg Focker did. The Graduate offers a twist to the awkward first meeting with the significant other's parents. In this classic comedy, Ben Braddock has known Elaine Robinson's mother and father for years. In fact, Ben has been "knowing" Mrs. Robinson for a few months. The Graduate was the beginning of an excellent career for director Mike Nichols, who won the Oscar for Best Director for this film.
Screen legend Dustin Hoffman stars as Ben, a recent college graduate. Handsome and reeking of qualifications, Ben has a lot going for him. Mr. and Mrs. Braddock throw a party in Ben's honor and invite family friends. Mrs. Robinson, who is married to Mr. Braddock's business partner, requests that Ben drive her home. Once there, Mrs. Robinson asks him to stay at the house until her husband gets home. Feeling uncomfortable, Ben tries to leave, but Mrs. Robinson keeps asking small favors of him. At last, Mrs. Robinson stands naked before Ben and tells him that she is his for the taking.
At first, Ben resists Mrs. Robinson, but he eventually gives in to her. They have a torrid affair for months. However, Mr. Braddock is getting fed up with Ben doing nothing with his life despite his potential. Mr. Braddock "encourages" Ben to call up Elaine Robinson on a date. Mrs. Robinson is not happy with that idea; she previously forced Ben to promise not to date her daughter. As Ben gets to know Elaine better, he decides that she is the one he wants to marry. However, disclosure of the affair with her mom could ruin Ben's chances.
Anne Bancroft is excellent as Mrs. Robinson; she plays her character as a lonely but manipulative wife. After Ben brings Mrs. Robinson home before the affair, she asks him personal questions and solicits favors that would make him look unreasonable if he declines. Mrs. Robinson uses Ben for her own pleasure and then pushes him away until she needs him again. After Ben stops the affair, Mrs. Robinson tells her family that Ben raped her. Guys watching this movie might sympathize with Ben for getting involved with unstable Mrs. Robinson. Ladies might argue that Ben deserved to be in his situation; he should have been thinking with the right head.
Simon and Garfunkel provide the bulk of the film's haunting score. Though sometimes repetitive, the duo's songs help to set the film's mood and deepen its themes.
Director Mike Nichols adds thoughtful flourishes throughout that are often absent from comedies. An opening scene of Ben attending a high school graduation party thrown by his parents is expertly shot to capture the claustrophobia of such a situation. In the film's final scene, Nichols injects a dose of intriguing ambiguity that serves to further distinguish this film from the masses.
The Graduate is a true American classic. It received seven Academy Awards nominations and gave Dustin Hoffman his big break. The line, "Mrs. Robinson, you're trying to seduce me," is an immortal quote. Hell, some guys could see this film as education.
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Mrs. Robinson has a few too many drinks and tries to get Ben in bed, a scene that will encourage many guys to throw a few back themselves.
Having an affair with a married woman and courting her daughter later will not stabilize relationships. On the other hand, this is an enjoyable and original comedy.
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