0:10
0:30
Disillusioned Stare
The Graduate was a landmark film for post-studio Hollywood. Along with Bonnie and Clyde this film signaled the emerging youth culture-centric cinema that pointed to the disillusionment that 20-somethings were feeling about their lives being decided for them (The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit era and the threat of Vietnam) and also the fear of making their life, as Benjamin puts it, matter. Nichols therefore opens the film with a shot of Benjamin (the representative of this generation) staring out into space. This image of Benjamin looking both vacant and dissillusioned will be repeated several times throughout the course of the film, usually after important changes in the films plot line. This image also anticipates the end of the film.
1
1:11
2:1
Wrong Direction
Nichols hints at the trajectory of Ben's story in the opening moments of the film by showing him going the "wrong direction." First, Nichols shows Ben walking against the grain of traffic. (This shot also plays on the "prison motif" seen in later scenes). This scene also anticipates Benjamin as a character that will literally and figuratively be placed in the background by more powerful characters during the course of the film.
2
2:34
2:47
Wrong Direction
Nichols continues the "wrong direction" theme through the use of airport signs. Beside the "Use other door" sign, in the background there are three different arrows pointing in every direction except the direction Ben walks in.
3
6:20
6:24
Robinson - Both
Nichols continually positions the character of Mrs. Robinson as a powerful force in Benjamin's life. This manifested visually in two way: by having Mrs. Robinson remain still, and sitting, as other characters (usually Benjamin) move around her to cater to her every whim and by Mrs. Robinson command the attention of the camera (which is usually achieved by placing the character in the foreground of her scenes with Benjamin). The first shot of Mrs. Robinson anticipates her future position: sitting (usually smoking) while all the other characters in the party catering circle around her (as well as briefly commanding the attention of the camera). For Mrs. Robinson stillness is a source of power. In addition, the leopard print outfit she is wearing representative of her cat-like character and movements.
4
7:25
7:54
Robinson - Moving Characters
Soon after Mrs. Robinson intrudes on Benjamin in his room (immediately making herself at home), she sits still and forces Benjamin to clean up after her smoking.
5
8:12
8:47
Robinson - Moving Characters
Mrs. Robinson then asks to be driven home (as Benjamin is still in the process of cleaning up her mess): She does not drive herself and asserts her dominance by throwing the keys into the aquarium (an object that will tie into the the black and white motif I will discuss later).
6
9:0
9:29
Robinson - Moving Characters
Mrs. Robinson waits for Benjamin to open the door.
7