I am back, and this time, I thought I'd bring my back my film analysis expertise. Yes, sounds boring, but I at this point in the semester I am running on fumes and I need to put bread on the table. This week, I will be doing a film analysis on the 1967 film "The Graduate." For you film majors and lovers out there reading this, you'll know how great this film actually was. For the rest of you who have no idea what the film is, allow me to educate you.
Film Summary
Without boring you with the details or spoiling it for you, "The Graduate" is about a young 21-year-old Benjamin Baddock, who has just earned his Bachelor's Degree and is unsure about his future. His life is sent into a spiral when Mrs. Robinson, the neglected wife of Benjamin's father's law partner, starts to seduce him the night of his graduation party. Now, with that being said, I know this might sound confusing, but let me educate you on why this film is still relevant to this day.
The Analysis
This film is still relevant to this day, and I can prove it. First, let's state the obvious. Older women trying to sleep with you after you graduate is probably the most unlikely scenario. The obvious here is that it is not the overall theme for the movie, in fact, there are a lot of lessons for this movie people are not even realizing.
The first is how very relatable Benjamin is to the audience, especially to people that are a similar age to him, like me for instance. Growing up is hard. Graduating college is one of the biggest accomplishments one can have in their lifetime, but once that happens, what's next? Going from one stage of life to another is difficult for everyone, and Benjamin captures this idea perfectly. Also, Benjamin is also the stereotype of the fight between the older and the younger generation. As the older generation ages, they tend to not understand the things the younger generation does, and this is also clear in the movie when Benjamin is asked about his future during the graduation party. Clearly uncomfortable, this is a stereotype for newer generations. The idea that newer generations don't know what to do with themselves, and that they'll "figure it out" is a story far too familiar. You can even look at Mrs. Robinson seducing Benjamin as a new taboo to the public as a breakthrough in the film industry. This sort of culture shock changed the story of films after this film released in 1967.
Overall:
You need to watch "The Graduate" to understand the concept of this entire movie. It is a classic for all, and it needs to be watched. Even though it came out in 1967, and this movie is still relevant today.
