DVD Review: The Graduate (1967)
How many genuine movie classics have you sat through in the last month? I suspect you can count them on one hand. In my case, it's one finger - and that movie is The Graduate.
A copy of The Graduate popped through my door a few days back, newly-reissued with bonus extras. And it didn't go easily into the player. Like most classics, you get the feeling you've seen it a million times, you know every detail and above all, you know how it ends. But eventually, it appeared at the top of the review pile. And I'm glad it did.
Why? Well, because it's a great film - and I got more out of it this time than ever before, from the classic college boy styling of Ben Braddock (Dustin Hoffman), the sultry looks of Mrs Robinson (Anne Bancroft) and the striking beauty of Elaine (Katharine Ross) through to the clever plot, the stylish (just) pre-psychedelic settings and of course, one of the best soundtracks ever committed to vinyl. It's a film that stands up to repeated viewing, especially if you're after some mid-60s fashion tips or you want ideas on stocking a bar tiki-style.
What's it about? Well, I'm guessing you know, so let's sum up by saying Ben leaves college, feels a bit lost, stumbles into a relationship with a friend of his parents (Mrs Robinson), falls for the Robinsons' daughter Elaine, then sees that budding relationship fall apart as the truth of his affair with Mrs Robinson comes to light. Happy or sad ending? If you know, you know. If you haven't seen it, I'll not spoil the suspense.
Visually stunning, musically magnificent and with a word-perfect plot, The Graduate really does deserve its place as a movie classic. Watch it again - it's worth rediscovering. I'm off to hunt down a vintage Alfa Romeo and blazer, because when it comes to style, that's really where it's at.
Extras on the DVD:
Dustin Hoffman interview
4x original widescreen excerpts
The Graduate at 25 documentary
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