Navigating Love and Society: A Critique of The Graduate

The Graduate, 1967
Directed By: Mike Nichols


The Graduate is a classic film about the life of Benjamin Braddock. He's a recent college graduate who feels lost and discouraged in the face of society expectations. Benjamin engages in an unusual relationship with the attractive Mrs. Robinson as he sets out on a voyage of self-discovery. His relationship with Mrs. Robinson's daughter Elaine, however, causes an unexpected turn in his life, creating an insightful investigation of generational conflict and the search for real love. After graduating from college, Benjamin Braddock returns home at the start of the movie. He struggles with an overwhelming feeling of insecurity about his future and his place in society as he is suddenly thrown into the adult world. Benjamin is unable to find fulfillment in the life that lies ahead of him, feeling distant and dissatisfied despite the celebrations of his academic success. 

Benjamin meets Mrs. Robinson, the wife of his father's business colleague, at his parents' graduation celebration. Their meeting starts a strange and secret relationship that becomes an important component of the movie. Benjamin gets caught in Mrs. Robinson's web of desire and secrecy due to her appealing personality. However, as their relationship develops, Benjamin struggles more and worries about the morality and consequences of his choices. When Benjamin meets Katharine Ross, Mrs. Robinson's attractive and energetic daughter, the story takes a dramatic turn. Elaine's innocence and friendliness as a young person immediately capture Benjamin's attention. He is intrigued by her sincerity and is attracted to her like a magnet. 

Benjamin decides to end the relationship with her mother after realizing that his genuine affections are for Elaine. The movie explores generational tension and societal expectations as Benjamin begins a romantic connection with Elaine. When Mrs. Robinson learns about Benjamin's plans, a heated argument breaks out, highlighting the conflict between traditional principles. The opposing viewpoints of both families complicates Benjamin and Elaine's relationship even more and presents challenges for them to overcome.Benjamin makes the trip to Berkeley, where Elaine attends college, determined to win her over. His hopes of spending time with Elaine are put on hold when he finds out she is engaged to someone else when he gets there. In a last-ditch effort to win Elaine back, Benjamin crashes her wedding. This results in a memorable and dramatic conclusion at the chapel.

In The Graduate the plot device isn't used in the same way that it would be in regular suspense or thriller movie.  The plot is more centered around the development of the main character, Benjamin Braddock, and his emotional journey. As a new college graduate searching for identity and purpose, Benjamin experiences feelings of uncertainty and despair throughout the entire movie.

The 3 main acts of the film are, Benjamin Braddock, a recent college graduate who comes home feeling lost and unsure about his future, is introduced to the audience in this act. He gets captivated by Mrs. Robinson, an attractive older woman who is the wife of his father's business colleague, at his parent's graduation celebration. Beginning as an escape from his feelings of disappointment and boredom, Benjamin begins an affair with Mrs. Robinson. The second act starts when Benjamin's parents pressurize him to go on a date with Elaine, Mrs. Robinson's daughter. He agrees reluctanly. Benjamin has an internal struggle as he falls in love with Elaine despite the problems concerning her mother after realizing he is genuinely interested in her during their date. Mrs. Robinson tells Elaine the truth after Benjamin leaves their relationship, leading to a large gap between the two lovers and severe conflict within the family. 

Benjamin's determination to be with Elaine despite her engagement to another person becomes clear in the last act. Elaine attends college at Berkeley, so Benjamin makes the trip there in an effort to win her back.
At Elaine's wedding, where Benjamin interrupts the ceremony, confesses his love for her, and they flee together, the movie reaches its conclusion. The movie ends with Benjamin and Elaine sitting in the back of a bus, their future unclear. This scene is both famous and intriguing.

The main character change that I saw was in Benjamin, a recent college graduate who comes home feeling dissatisfied and lost in life, first appears in the movie. He is uncertain of what he wants to do with his future and lacks a strong sense of direction and purpose. However, as the plot develops, Benjamin is forced to act and make decisions that would determine his fate as a result of his interactions with Mrs. Robinson and later Elaine. His love for Elaine becomes his motivation, giving him the will to leave his boring life and pursue something.

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