The Graduate

It is one of those films that has left an indelible legacy on not just pop culture, but on cinema as well. Indeed, it is one of the most iconic films of the 1960's and perhaps of all time. The film is The Graduate. It is a lesson in love gone wrong and the consequences of such forbidden love.

Ben Braddock (Dustin Hoffman) is fresh out of college and has no idea what he wants to do with his life. His parent's party for his homecoming results in Ben's seduction at the hands of lovely Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft), his father's business partner's gorgeous wife.

Nights of passion at a local hotel with Mrs. Robinson culminate in Ben falling in love with Elaine Robinson (Katherine Ross), her daughter! Ben must break off the relationship with Mrs. Robinson if he is to have any chance with Elaine. The only trouble is, Mrs. Robinson won't let him!

Benjamin is to make a hard choice: his girl or his woman. But When Mr. Robinson and Elaine find out about the affair, Ben is in more trouble over the affair he never wanted in the first place!

Mike Nichols took away a well-deserved Oscar from Norman Jewison (for In The Heat of the Night), but was wholly deserving of the Oscar himself. He used great camera angles and shots to create iconic images that have endured the decades to make this one of the best films ever made.

There are several camera shots that make this film so iconic; duplicated and parodied countless times. One of those shots, seen above, is a shot of Dustin Hoffman taken from underneath Mrs. Robinson's leg. Another shot (also seen above), has Ben and Mrs. Robinson in bed together. And yet another shot has Ben screaming at Elaine and pounding on a glass panel at her wedding.

These scenes have become engrained in our pop culture consciousness and when a film can give you that many classic scenes, you know it has to be one of the best.

Also remember the classic, iconic score by Simon and Garfunkle with the best of the songs, Mrs. Robinson, an instant classic. It is inexplicable how such a terrific, iconic song like this was snubbed by the Academy. Then again, rarely have they ever got the Best Song category right.

Let's not forget the terrific acting performances by the principle cast - which also help make this a great film. Anne Bancroft is at her best, earning an Oscar nod. Dustin Hoffman gave the first of his seven Oscar nominated performances, and Katherine Ross too earned a nomination, her only nomination.

But through all the fancy camera work, grand performances and catchy music is a story that has stood the test of time. Mike Nichols The Graduate is a masterpiece of filmmaking, from top to bottom. Iconic Images, songs and a love triangle that ranks among the best in film are combined to create a film totally unique but nevertheless an experience to be enjoyed. Mr. Reader, you're going to watch this film. Aren't you?