Lauren Hope Gottschalk
Mrs. Robbins
Critical Analysis of Film and Literature
10 October 2014
The Graduate
Throughout the movie it is seen that Benjamin Braddock finds water as a means of serenity. The first time we as viewers see this is when Braddock first arrives home. His head lie motionless against his fish tank, and he has a calm expression on his face. Later, Braddock's father makes him come downstairs to impress his guests. Braddock's demeanor completely changes, he looks afraid and stressed in complete contrast to when his head was against the fish tank.
The second time this type of action is seen is when Braddock jumps into his pool in his birthday present, a scuba suit. He does try to surface, yet his father pushes him back down. After this action Braddock stays still underneath the water, not swimming, not floating, but completely still within the quietness, and peacefulness of the water. There is no noise underneath the water which means it can be assumed that Braddock is in a happier environment underneath the water.
The third time we see Braddock peace driven state within the water is when "The Drifting Montage" begins. It is seen that Braddock is floating on a float in his pool. It looks as though he could not have a care in the world. No one is bothering him and it seems like he is in a completely calm and serene environment.
The last time we see Braddock in the water is when his parents begin to complicate his peaceful state. While he is floating in the water his parents begin to circle him like sharks, consistently asking him question after question. As they continue to berate him with questions in the end he can not take it anymore. Braddock flings himself off the float and into the water. We see him with the same scuba goggles as he wore during the birthday scene which could mean that he feels the same now as he did when that event occurred. Like in every other time he is the water he is still. Not making a movement, but just surrounded by water and again he looks emotionless.
In the end of the movie there is no idea of water. This could mean that Braddock has had his time of peace in the water, but now it is time for the excitement and complications that await him on land.
These are all really good points of observation. I never noticed the direct contrast between scene to scene as certain things impact Benjamin. I think its whenever Benjamin is alone is can focus on his own thoughts and try to discover some sort of future however his parents keep interfering. Good use of images to express the exact facial expression and mood that was portrayed throughout the film in those specific scenes.
ReplyDeleteThis was a great topic among the ones that could've been blogged about, and you went so in depth with it, which is evident in your very clear examples. And the best part was how you tied it all together at the end by explaining how Benjamin has changed now that the concept of water has left. Since I did not focus on the water while watching the film, I didn't even pick up on this and thought it was very insightful.
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