1. In class we discussed how the filming and editing of The Graduate was very unique and
innovative for its time. The way that director Mike Nichols shot this film was
remarkable. Not only are the shots creative and unique but they also help tell
the story. As it was mentioned in class, at the beginning of the film the shots
of Ben are very tight and as the film plays out they are longer and a bit
looser. This goes right along with the character of Ben, which was played
wonderfully by Dustin Hoffman. When you pay attention to these details while
watching the film, it goes from a fun movie about a young man entering the real
world to a true piece of art. It is obvious why Mike Nichols won the Academy
Award for best director.
2. In this article about The
Graduate the author Lang Thompson discusses the film’s legacy in pop
culture and Hollywood over the years as well as some of difficulties director
Mike Nichols faced while filming the movie. Thompson says, “The Graduate is one of those films
that’s been quoted and parodied and referenced so often that you might think
you’ve seen it even if you haven’t.” He then talks about the role of Ben and
how Robert Redford and Charles Grodin passed before Nichols wound up with
Dustin Hoffman. Hoffman almost couldn’t take the role himself because he was
committed to another film but was able to get out of it.
3. This article solidified some thoughts that I had about
the film. The first was the commentary about how you feel like you have seen it
even if you haven’t. I felt as if I had seen The Graduate before almost throughout the whole film, particularly
the ending scene when Ben is going to stop Elaine’s wedding. From seeing Wayne’s World I felt as if I had watched
that scene a million times. They copied that shot for shot and I never knew
that it was a parody. I am also glad that Dustin Hoffman ended up with the role
of Ben. You hear things like this happening a lot in Hollywood but the film
would not be the same without him. His acting in this film was so great and I
don’t think that the film would have worked as well as it did if he did not
play Ben.
4. The Graduate
was a great piece of American cinema. From the acting to the directing the film
was absolutely wonderful. The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards and
only got one, which is ridiculous. Dustin Hoffman played a great role as Ben
and Anne Bancroft was amazing as Mrs. Robinson. The directing that Mike Nichols
did was groundbreaking for its time and all of these elements add to the
greatness that is The Graduate. 
No comments:
Post a Comment