I recently watched The Graduate and I can honestly say it is something special. I heard about it in
(500) Days of Summer and I thought I ought to watch it seeing as it plays a role in this film and because its an utter classic.
The storyline is simple; boy has affair with older woman then falls in love with woman's daughter. But the way this is expanded, distorted, and visualised results in a truly mesmerising and ethereal (i'll be using this word A LOT) beauty. The cinematography is so clever and canny, enough to make you smirk to yourself upon realising the simile/metaphor/comparison, not only this, but it has this sun bleached effect, like a never-ending summer, an ethereal quality that adds a far-away feel. The panning and quick shots and, jeez, just everything about it. At times, it reflects upon the feelings of Ben, Dustin Hoffman's character, who is not sure about his future and stepping into the unknown, just like the dreamy world that California is portrayed as in the film.
What also contributes to it being so, well, AwEsOmE is the soundtrack; ALL SIMON AND GARFUNKEL. The soothing yet moving sound is so coherent with the film and adapts to the emotions without changing style. I love films with the same music running through it (the third man, key e.g.) and S and G adds to that summery, ethereal, Californian happiness. That's all I can describe it as, happiness.
The style is oh-so-American, swinging 60s, soft top cars and baking summers. Everything about it is effortless. Mrs Robinson always looks so sleek and elegant, no effort required. The same with Elaine, her mane of golden/strawberry blonde/caramel locks and her uncomplicated yet cool and classy dress sense. The men in sharp suits or flannel shorts with neighbourhood smiles.
There are many film stills/photos I would have liked to included (not that I really need anymore) but there's nothing worse than a ruining a film for someone, especially one as good as The Graduate.
(waves goodbye)
Suzie
All pictures from The Graduate (1967)
