The Graduate

Overall, The Graduate was one of my favorite movies that we have watched in the class. Putting the plot aside, there were so many effective cinematic techniques used in order to enhance the quality of the film, and its ability to reach the audience. One of the more underrated features of the film in my mind was the pool scene, when the camera alternated between the above-water shot, and the below-water shot. Along with the visual display, the audio in this scene was impressive. When Benjamin was above the water, the music was loud and clear, the music that was presumably being played outside of the pool. When he was under the water, however, the music could still be heard, but in a very faint and muffled manner. I just wanted to touch on this interesting aspect of the film. Additionally, I thought that the progression of Benjamin’s character throughout the course of the film was both impressive and interesting—the director did an outstanding job chronicling Benjamin’s maturation. Benjamin is an awkward character, in the beginning and in the end. But we do see him build some degree of self-confidence and courage as time progresses in the film. When Mrs. Robinson starts seducing Benjamin, he really does not know how to react. Rather than standing up for himself, he ultimately leaks his vulnerability to Mrs. Robinson and allows for it to happen. After he loses his virginity, however, he has the confidence to stand up to Mrs. Robinson’s face, stop the affair. Then, he himself goes for Mrs. Robinson’s daughter, stops the wedding, and has the courage and self-confidence to get the girl himself, something that I do not think he had the interest nor the degree of confidence to do earlier in the film. It is a feel-good story with a great plot that is executed through the use of effective cinematic techniques.