Week 10: HU121 Film In Society (The Graduate)

The Graduate (1967)

Recent college graduate Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman) is trapped into an affair with Mrs. Robinson, who happens to be the wife of his father's business partner and then finds himself falling in love with her teenage daughter, Elaine.

Watching via NetFlix.

Information available on IMDb and Wikipedia.

Discussion Question:

What films have you seen that succeed in both educating you and entertaining you?  Do you believe the films were intended to be both educational and entertaining, or was the educational aspect a default of the subject matter.  Elaborate on your response.

Discussion Answer:

Original Answer: 0/10

When thinking about films the both educate and entertain me, my mind automatically thought about the documentary films of Morgan Spurlock. He broke onto the scene with Super Size Me (Hulu video below), which explored the effect of the McDonald's menu on a person over a 30 day period. He approaches each subject with humor, even as he got sick near the end of the film. Michael Moore, director of Fahrenheit 911 (a film about September 11th), also presents his subject manner is a comedic fashion as well.

Expanded Answer: ??/10

When thinking about films the both educate and entertain me, my mind automatically thought about the documentary films of Morgan Spurlock. He broke onto the scene with Super Size Me, which explored the effect of the McDonald's menu on a person over a 30 day period. He approaches each subject with humor, even as he got sick near the end of the film. I learned a lot more from his style of presentation of then I would have if it would have been presented in any other way. Michael Moore, director of Fahrenheit 911 (about September 11th) and Bowling For Columbine (about gun control), also presents his subject manner is a comedic fashion as well. Although the subjects are very serious, but Michael Moore presents in a way that make you think deeper into the attitudes and why each side thinks the way they do. Some of the sides ideas can be way out there which creates the comedy.

Super Size Me:

Assignment Question:

How does Benjamin's apathy and disenchantment with his life reflect the culture at the time this film was made? Give examples to explain your answer.

This film has an iconic soundtrack. How did the music create tone in this film? Give examples to explain your answer.

What caused Benjamin's change? Do you think there was a specific moment when he changed? When?

What do you think happened with Benjamin and Elaine when they eventually got off the bus?

Assignment Answer:

Benjamin's apathy and disenchantment with his life reflects the culture at the time the film was made by having very little direction with his life and doing what felt good. The best example is when is when he is drifting around in the pool and his father is asking questions about what he plans to do and he is explains that he is comfortable. The affair itself is also an example of that defiance as well.

The films soundtrack consists of amazing songs by Simon & Garfunkel, which created an amazing tone for the film. The song Mrs. Robinson is playful to express the excitement of the affair. While Scarborough Fair is somber and reflective and is played when Benjamin is thinking about Elaine.
Link: http://www.simonandgarfunkel.com/us/music/graduate


Finally and/or unfortunately meeting Elaine caused Benjamin to change. The moment that I feel this happened was at the club when the dancer is particularly close to Elaine. At this point, Benjamin notices the hurt he has caused in her eyes. 

I think that  when Benjamin and Elaine eventually got off the bus that they began planning their life together. Elaine's parents were against them being together (for obvious reasons) and would it be extremely difficult to for her to run out on her family like that without feeling that it would be worth. As for Benjamin, you can see his commitment for her in everything he does.