The burgeoning counter-culture movement was distinct and widespread in the United States in the late 1960s. A few specific features could define the movement. In particular, pre-marital sex, distrust of authority, and materialism were common themes. Such films additionally refused to deal with the standard representation of characters and their division into good and bad guys. Protagonists were social deviants as well as smart and charming simultaneously. Open endings and the absence of solutions to the problems were other characteristic features of the selected movement. All these aspects are present in The Graduate, which demonstrates that the film belongs to the counter-culture movement.
The themes of pre-marital sex, distrust of authority, and materialism are present in The Graduate. The film tells the story of Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman), who has a sexual affair with Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft) and her daughter, Elaine (Katharine Ross) (Nichols, 1967). Benjamin accepts the offer to become a sexual lover of much older Mrs. Robinson in exchange for various personal gains. He ignores the fact that he can face problems because of Mrs. Robinson’s authority and her husband’s position in society.
The Graduate is a distinct film because it relies on the non-standard representation of characters. On the one hand, Benjamin is a negative character because he commits moral suicide to become Mrs. Robinson’s toy. Additionally, Benjamin is a social deviant because he is simultaneously having relationships with two females. On the other hand, the protagonist is positive because he decides to be honest with Elaine and does his best to win the woman’s heart. Consequently, the controversial nature of the character demonstrates that the film belongs to the counter-culture movement.
Open ending and the absence of a clearly formulated solution are additionally helpful in determining the film’s movement. The Graduate ends as Benjamin and Elaine escape the wedding of Elaine and Carl Smith (Brian Avery). The two get on a bus and start their new journey in the uncertain future. Consequently, the audience is left with their own interpretation of the story and thoughts about what will happen to Benjamin and Elaine.
In conclusion, a few specific aspects prove that The Graduate is an example of the counter-culture movement that was widespread in the United States in the 1960s. Particular themes, the controversial representation of the protagonist, and an open ending are the rationale of this statement. Thus, one can conclude that the selected film is a successful picture that effectively presents the movement and is worth watching.
References
Nichols. M. (1967). The graduate. Lawrence Turman Productions.