The Graduate

The Graduate

1) Relate film to class discussion
The film is one of the first true youth rebellion movies of it's time. It tells the story of Benjamin a recent college graduate returning home and not knowing what he wants to dow with his life. One of his parents friends, Mrs. Robinson starts to give him cuddle hints that she wants to hook up with him .Considering the age gap Ben is uncomfortable but eventually follows through with it. He then becomes a free spirit, and eventually falls in love with Mrs. Robinson's daughter and it eventually makes everything awkward for everyone. The camera angles in this film are symbolic. In the beginning of the film we see the camera so close and tight to reflect how uptight Benjamin is but later on in the movie once Benjamin loosens up so does the lens.
2) find article related to film
http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/culture/2012/04/5674942/rethinking-graduates-place-defining-film-60s-and-ben-braddocks-accid

This article describes how The Graduate was on of the defining films of the 60's. The content of the film, if was released a decade earlier would have been billed as a cultural slander but this film was released at the right moment in time.The article also describes how there is some subtle symbolism in the film. It also talks about how while it was one of the first youth rebellion films, Ben actually was not a rebel by choice, but instead an accidental rebel.

3) Relate article to film
 In the film we see subtle hints of symbolism. While the film focuses on Ben trying to find a purpose in life he tries to find a separation from everything. The drive-thru scene is one of the first scenes where Ben tries to make a separation. When Ben travels to Berkley theres an American flag, as Ben stands under it represents a sense of personal irony. After everything he has gone through he is identified as "Un- American". While he is banging on the windows at the wedding it represents a sense of repression and release. It represents what most 21 year olds go through, especially considering the fear of their future.

4) Critical Analysis of film

I personally enjoyed this film a lot and think it was on of my favorites we have watched in this class. It represented the exact feelings and confusion I feel about graduating college. It was also very humorous and loved how modern the storyline seemed. The plots of the film are very scandalous which fits right in with modern media and am shocked that this was only in the 60's. Youth rebellion movies are always fun to watch, and this was enjoyable all the way through.