So I realized that there is a growing problem among movie watchers of my generation. most people dismiss films that are old, are foreign, or even black and-white. I understand that some films are incredibly difficult to watch. For their time period, they were classic masterpieces, but in this day and age, they seem dated and do not discuss relevant topics or themes that pertain to this generation. So with this series of reviews, I look to bring your attention to some movies that normally a person my age would not see, but should see. These movies are movies that still are incredibly relevant today, and would be a joy for a teen to twenty-something to view. The first movie in this series is...
The Graduate (1967)
This movie is a favorite of mine. Directed by legendary auteur Mike Nichols, this film follows Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman), a recent college graduate who is unsure about his future. Though Benjamin was top of his class at his unnamed university, he is not sure where to go next. The movie opens at his graduation party, where friends of his upper-class parents congratulate Ben on his achievements, and give their unwarranted opinion on what he should do next. Benjamin, who is incredibly socially inept, weaves through the party, trying to go unnoticed. One of these party guests is Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft). the wife of one of Ben's father's business partners. Mrs. Robinson has Ben drive her home, as she is too drunk to drive home. She then invites Ben in for a drink, and Ben begins to suspect that Mrs. Robinson is attempting to seduce him. He turns away from her attempts at seduction in the most hilariously awkward way possible. Eventually however, Ben gives into Mrs. Robinson, and they begin to have an affair. It is through this affair that Ben begins to uncover his purpose and masculinity. Ben discovers that maybe he doesn't need to be so concerned about what he does, and just takes the entire summer to do whatever the hell he wants, which includes banging an older woman, and drifting the summer away in the pool. the plot gets even more complicated when Ben is forced to take Elaine (Katherine Ross), who is the daughter of Mrs. Robinson, on a date, and eventually falls for her. I won't discuss any more plot details, but just know that the movie is filled with hilariously awkward moments, ads Benjamin Braddock attempts to deal with difficult situations he has put himself in.
Though it is almost 50 years old, I think The Graduate is just as relevant as the day it was released. Many people my age are faced with the decision of what we want to do for the rest of our lives. How nice would it be to bang older women and defy parental authority all summer instead of taking responsibility and take steps to cement our own future? Benjamin Braddock is the essential college graduate, and isn't flash or glamorous. Instead of seducing the girl so easily, as in most romance movies, he is so inept in his dealings with the Robinson women that it actually works out in his favor. If only it were as simple as to win women over with being odd and incompetent in every way. The Graduate is the of the most non-traditional romance movie sever, yet maintains to be poignant and meaningful while keeping us laughing the whole time. Also, filled with an incredibly catchy Soundtrack by Simon and Garfunkel, this 1960s period piece keeps it's modern feel. I have watched this movie with a lot of people my age, and everyone has commented how modern and relevant the themes in the movie are to this day. Give this classic a chance, and you certainly won't regret a minute of it.
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