Absolwent

The fact that The Graduate can now be considered a cult classic is due to Nichols’s first-class direction, but above all to the character of Dustin Hoffman, who perfectly reflects the hardships of growing up and the boredom and indifference of a gifted young man who has quite different ideas about his future than his rich parents. Besides, Hoffman delivers another outstanding performance, and even at the age of 30 he gives the impression of a seasoned actor on whom a whole script can rely without him losing a beat. The chemistry between him and Anne Bancroft is perfect, the music by Simon and Garfunkel is perfect, and the finale is perfect as a shining symbol of freedom and independence. A low-key film, but one of the best in every respect. (21.03.2012)

Judging by the number of ratings and their enthusiastic comments, as well as the abundance of stars, one can no longer consider The Graduate as a cult film, but rather as a religion. In general, it is considered a remarkable film that characterizes the late period of the American economic miracle of the 50s and 60s and is a kind of satire on the conditions of society at that time. I must admit that I do not feel the euphoria toward The Graduate. Over time, it seems to me that two things work flawlessly in it - the excellent mood-setting soundtrack by Simon and Garfunkel, which gives it a typical atmosphere, and Dustin Hoffman's performance, where his traditional perfectionism and complete identification with the character is so natural that it simply does not surprise me anymore. As a social satire, the film only works at the very beginning, when we see the return of the main character to his parental home and his welcome by family friends from the same social class of owners of luxurious villas and large pools. And then there is the figure of the host from the university town, who sees agitators and disruptors of the old good order in every other person. Otherwise, the film focuses on four main characters who behave somewhat like misfits and can adopt strange attitudes and perform strange actions. They are actually less readable and less understandable to me than the characters of Lynch's aberrant psyches. There is one more thing that bothers me about The Graduate. Its young characters do not show even the minimal ability to function independently throughout the film, and without parental accounts and support, their world would quickly collapse. The type of rebellion and protest against conventions, when I set off on a journey with a car from Daddy and buy gas with Daddy's credit card, is quite typical for an American film, not only of the 60s. Overall impression: 60%. (09.01.2014)

An incredible film about how an older woman seduces a young man who is lost and doesn't know what to do with his life after school. The way Mike Nichols filmed the scene where Mrs. Robinson seduces the young and inexperienced - and very nervous, as we were there - Benjamin is simply unbelievable. Overall, it is an example of great filmmaking, not to mention the excellent ending where we watch the faces of the two main characters and realize with them that this was actually not a great idea at all. The end. Nothing more. And it's just fine. (17.12.2014)

A truly cult romantic comedy, a beautiful story, and Dustin Hoffman’s role of a lifetime. But there’s one aspect that makes the movie unforgettable for me. A great ending, and, most importantly, a fantastic soundtrack! Really phenomenal work by Simon & Garfunkel. (27.03.2013)

Great film, positive in every aspect, the essence of good mood. Simon and Garfunkel’s wonderful songs tuned me to the right note right from the opening credits and the rest of the film flowed like water. I’m already looking forward to watching it again. (25.05.2009)