The Graduate (1967) Watch Online Free

Benjamin, a recent college graduate very worried about his future, finds himself in a love triangle with an older woman and her daughter.

Directed by Mike Nichols, The Graduate follows the story of Benjamin Braddock (played by Dustin Hoffman), a recent college graduate who finds himself in a complicated affair with the older, married woman, Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft). Benjamin’s life seems uncertain as he drifts aimlessly after graduation, unsure of what to do with his future. However, his path takes a dramatic turn when Mrs. Robinson seduces him, leading to an illicit and secretive relationship.

As the affair continues, Benjamin becomes increasingly conflicted. His emotional state further complicates when he falls in love with Mrs. Robinson’s daughter, Elaine (Katharine Ross), whom he meets and dates. The tension between his attraction to Elaine and his guilt over Mrs. Robinson escalates, ultimately leading to a chaotic conclusion. The film culminates in a dramatic confrontation at Elaine’s wedding, where Benjamin desperately intervenes to stop the marriage, resulting in an ending that leaves both characters in a state of uncertainty.

Analysis of The Graduate

The film is often regarded as a sharp social commentary on the confusion, alienation, and disillusionment of post-college life in 1960s America. Benjamin’s journey reflects the tumult of his generation—caught between the rigid expectations of the older generation and the seductive freedom that seems to come with his affair with Mrs. Robinson. His sexual relationship with Mrs. Robinson, which begins as a form of rebellion or escape, becomes increasingly hollow, reflecting the film’s critique of the superficiality of adult life.

Another major theme in The Graduate is the tension between desire and morality. Benjamin is both repelled and intrigued by Mrs. Robinson, symbolizing his confusion about sex, love, and his place in the world. His affair with her, while initially providing a sense of excitement and power, soon makes him confront the darker side of adult relationships. Meanwhile, his relationship with Elaine represents an idealized, innocent version of love—a stark contrast to his affair with her mother.

The film also examines the expectations placed on young people by society. Benjamin’s parents and the people around him expect him to conform to traditional paths—graduate, get a job, settle down. However, Benjamin’s reluctance to follow these expectations leads to his internal conflict and confusion. His ultimate actions reflect the generation gap and the rebellion against societal norms that were common in the 1960s.

Themes of The Graduate

1. Alienation and Disillusionment: Benjamin’s journey highlights the theme of alienation, where he struggles to find meaning or direction in life after college. He feels disconnected from society’s expectations and uncertain about his future.
2. Sexuality and Power: The film explores the complexities of sexual relationships, especially the power dynamics between Benjamin and Mrs. Robinson. The affair, at first exhilarating, gradually reveals its emotional and psychological costs.
3. Rebellion and the Generation Gap: The Graduate reflects the cultural tensions of the 1960s, where younger generations began rebelling against the traditional values of their parents. Benjamin’s actions symbolize this generational shift.
4. Romantic Idealism vs. Reality: Benjamin’s love for Elaine is contrasted with his affair with Mrs. Robinson. The film questions the concept of idealized love and the reality of human relationships.
5. Social Expectations and Conformity: The film critiques the societal pressures to follow prescribed paths—education, marriage, and career. Benjamin rejects these pressures in his search for personal fulfillment, highlighting the internal conflict between individual desires and societal norms.

10 Reasons to Watch The Graduate

1. Dustin Hoffman’s Iconic Performance: Dustin Hoffman’s portrayal of Benjamin Braddock is both charming and relatable, perfectly capturing the uncertainty and confusion of youth. His performance helped launch his career and solidified his place in cinematic history.
2. Timeless Social Commentary: The Graduate offers a sharp critique of societal norms, making it a timeless film that speaks to anyone who has ever felt lost, alienated, or misunderstood in the face of societal expectations.
3. Memorable Soundtrack: The film’s soundtrack, featuring Simon & Garfunkel’s songs like “The Sound of Silence” and “Mrs. Robinson,” is iconic and perfectly complements the film’s themes of alienation, confusion, and searching for meaning.
4. Sharp, Witty Dialogue: The film is filled with sharp, memorable dialogue that captures the awkwardness and absurdity of relationships and the complexity of navigating adulthood. It also contains moments of dark humor that add depth to the characters and situations.
5. Visual Style: Mike Nichols’s direction is both stylish and innovative, with clever use of camera angles and compositions that emphasize the emotional states of the characters, particularly Benjamin’s sense of entrapment and isolation.
6. Cultural Icon: The Graduate became a cultural touchstone, with its portrayal of youthful rebellion, love, and confusion resonating with generations of viewers. It continues to influence films and pop culture today.
7. Exploration of Sexuality: The film explores the complexities of sexual relationships—desire, guilt, power, and the consequences of choices—through Benjamin’s affair with Mrs. Robinson and his love for Elaine.
8. Groundbreaking in Its Time: When it was released in 1967, The Graduate pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in mainstream cinema, dealing with themes of infidelity, sexuality, and societal expectations in a way that had not been seen before.
9. Kathy Ross and Anne Bancroft’s Strong Performances: While Dustin Hoffman’s performance is central, the film also boasts standout performances by Anne Bancroft as Mrs. Robinson and Katharine Ross as Elaine, who provide critical contrasts to Benjamin’s character.
10. Thematic Depth: The Graduate is a richly layered film, offering insights into issues of love, morality, youth, and the complexity of personal freedom. It’s a film that invites deep reflection and interpretation long after it ends.

Emotional Response After Watching The Graduate

After watching The Graduate, you might feel a mix of fascination, discomfort, and reflection. The film’s portrayal of youthful confusion and the consequences of impulsive decisions can evoke both empathy and frustration, particularly as Benjamin’s choices lead to emotional and relational chaos. The ending—ambiguous and open to interpretation—can leave you thinking about the nature of love, rebellion, and the uncertain paths we choose in life.

The blend of humor, awkwardness, and tragedy creates a complex emotional experience, as the film balances moments of lightness with a deeper, more introspective examination of adulthood, relationships, and the search for personal meaning. The film’s social and cultural impact will likely leave you pondering the way societal expectations continue to shape our choices, as well as the difficulty of breaking free from them.

Ultimately, The Graduate invites you to reflect on the transition from adolescence to adulthood, the quest for identity, and the risks of blindly following desire or societal expectations. It’s a film that stays with you, challenging you to think about your own life and the choices you make along the way