90 Days of Oscar Nominees #89 – The Graduate (1967)

In my attempt to have a more prolific repertoire of Oscar Nominated Films, I have taken it upon myself to watch 90 new Best Picture Nominees that I’ve never seen before between 5 Dec 2017 and The 90th Annual Oscars on 4 Mar 2018.

Here is my 89th review of the 90 chosen Films…

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“It’s like I was playing some kind of game, but the rules don’t make any sense to me. They’re being made up by all the wrong people. I mean no one makes them up. They seem to make themselves up. ” – Benjamin

Number of Times Seen – Between 3-5 Times (Cable in the 90’s, 6 Jul 2000 and 1 Mar 2018)

Brief Synopsis – A recent college graduate spends the summer contemplating his future which carrying on an affair with his father’s law partner’s wife.

My Take on it – I have seen this film a few times and something always bothered me about the fact that so many people hail this as an amazing film.

I agree that it’s quite good and does a fine job telling its story yet something constantly feels missing from the way the story is told.

Perhaps it’s something that was more effective when it came out because that was the decade of the free spirit and where many people were just trying to find themselves.

This film ultimately has remained in most people’s minds due to a few iconic scenes and quotes and of course due to its music that showcases the talents of Simon & Garfunkle.

The cast is great with Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft and Katharine Ross each giving career defining performances.

The songs by Simon & Garfunkle (most notably Mrs. Robinson) have been largely associated with this film (and vice versa) and are all amazing to listen to especially within the context of the film.

This film does have some great scenes, but something still makes it come across as being disjointed and not as interesting as one would hope throughout the entire runtime.

This film was nominated for 7 Oscars, but Mike Nichols was the only one able to win.  His win was for Best Director for this film which makes him the last director (as of 2017) to have been the sole winner for a film at the Oscars.

This film did win Best Pictre at both the Golden Globes (Musical or Comedy) and the BAFTA’s that year.

Bottom Line – This film is more iconic for a few of its scenes and its music but still isn’t as amazing as some claim.  Cast is great with Hoffman, Bancroft and Ross all giving career defining performances.  The music is amazing and the Simon & Garfunkel songs have always been associated with this film (and vice versa).  There are some really great scenes in this film, but something just seems off in the way that the story is told. Nichols won Best Director for this film, but the film failed to win any of the other 6 nominations.  Recommended!

MovieRob’s Favorite Trivia – Robert Redford screen-tested with Candice Bergen for the part of Benjamin Braddock, but was finally rejected by director Mike Nichols. Nichols did not believe Redford could persuasively project the underdog qualities necessary to the role. When he told this to Redford, the actor asked Nichols what he meant. “Well, let’s put it this way,” said Nichols, “Have you ever struck out with a girl?” “What do you mean?” asked Redford. “That’s precisely my point,” said Nichols. Redford told Nichols that he perfectly understood the character of Benjamin, who was a social misfit. He went on and on about his ability to play the part. Nichols finally said to him, “Bob, look in the mirror. Can you honestly imagine a guy like you having difficulty seducing a woman?” (From IMDB)

Rating – Globe Worthy (7/10)

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