Surprisingly the Graduate is still fresh even from 1967. The At-Loose-Ends quality of Ben's life, the longing for Mrs. Robinson as well as the longing for Elaine, and the suburban boredom that wires it all together (like it or not) leaves you with a still uncomfortable feeling.
Impressive cinematography of the underwater scenes, the suburban threat and the Hitchcockian camera movements. And of course the classic Simon and Garfunkel soundtrack.
When asked about its long-time popularity, star Katherine Ross told Vanity Fair "The Dude Abides". As the Narrator in the Big Lebowski said in the beginning, "Sometimes there's a man who is just right for his time". Ben (Dustin Hoffman) was just that as in 1967/1968 the Fifties gave way to the Sixties, Vietnam was about to pop along with the Anti-Draft Movement. But none of that had reached this world which was still in the 50s Go to a Hotel, Fix Me a Drink, Silent Suffering state.
The Dude is simply a stoner version of Ben, grown old but not grown up. He asks for little and receives little. Life happens to him, and not the other way around. Both are billed as comedies but have their tragic moments. I can't say I'd like to change places with either.
One of most famous endings in film, as Hoffman rushes to the church. However, I had forgotten the Midnight Cowboy-like ending. Worth a second look.
* * * * of 4
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