What happened between Mrs. Robinson and me was nothing. It didn't mean anything. We might just as well have been shaking hands.

No 62 - The Graduate

Director - Mike Nichols

I give up trying to apologise for the recent lax behaviour on this blog. My life has got distressingly hectic and LoveFilm are sending me all sorts of fascinating films which are decidedly NON-LIST. But I'm keeping at it.... and will continue here. Have no fear.

There are a lot of nice little bits I wish to talk about in The Graduate. The beautiful soundtrack, for example and that I really love The Sound of Silence, even after hearing a hundred times over the film.

The Sound of Silence by Simon and Garfunkle - just beautiful

Then there is the great acting. Namely, the two central roles.

I am a massive fan of Dustin Hoffman. He pretty much makes every thing he is in better. Whether its a serious role, what seems like a cash in, or just a cheeky cameo.... he is brilliant. No exception here. Ben is a great character. A bundle of nerves and angst, filled with worry and self loathing. He stays utterly fascinating and believable throughout. Not only that, but as you watch his mannerisms, and listen to how he speaks, you realise that he may have been influential to a certain long lasting comedy:

Hoffman's Ben works brilliantly against the icy cool Mrs Robinson, played marvellously (and at times terrifyingly) by Anne Bancroft. At its heart is a story of love, lust, emptiness, confusion and self loathing. All of these emotions are made brilliant clear through the work of one man:

Surtees, as cinematographer, managed to shoot the film in a way that makes every frame a screen shot. Shots which convey loneliness far more elegantly than any monologue could. From the beautiful, simple title sequence through to the end, each shot is a delight. Shots which show anger, passion, betrayal, despair and shots which are just incredibly iconic.

A film which is just beautiful to look at.