Something I picked up on in The Graduate was the use of color, particularly through costumes. In the beginning of the film, and well into the middle, the characters wore strictly black and white outfits that coordinated with the oftentimes black and white backgrounds. But unlike in Casablanca, where the difference between black and white costumes symbolized “good and bad” characters, in The Graduate, I feel as though these stark contrast between black and white costumes was meant to tell the storyline. It is only in the beginning that characters are only dressed in dark and light colors. As the story unfolds, new colors are introduced. That to me showed that there was a clear difference in characters and their intentions. As new colors such as navy blue, pink, and camel, are slowly embedded in the costuming, the plot, specifically relationships, becomes melded together (Ben, Mrs. Robinson and Elaine), it isn’t so black and white anymore. Also, the first time you see a character wear a color that is not black or white is when the audience is first introduced to Elaine, when her and Ben go on their first date. She is wearing a pink dress, which showed that she will be a significant later in the movie; she isn’t just wearing black and white like the rest of the characters.
It is clear that the use of color had a deep meaning throughout this film. It illustrates how the characters grow and change. What other motifs or details show the development in character?
I like how you mentioned that fact that the first time bright colored attire is introduced into the film was when we see Elaine for the first time. I also liked how you related costuming to plot, and how the different colors represented the melded relationships. Aside from costuming, I found that the music played in the background also represented character development, in that the scene where Ben and Elaine have a fight in Bens room at Berkely, it plays Scarborough Fair in the background. Then, the song repeats at the end when the two of them are sitting on the bus, rather the lyrics at that point in time are playing "Sound of Silence".
ReplyDeleteI really like the point you make; I think that the usage of colors in the film mirror Ben's inner emotions and state of mind. In the beginning of the movie when things are generally "black and white", we see Ben as this very passive character. He just graduated college and is in the transition phase between taking the next step in his life, with he himself isn't fully certain of. Society as well as his parents have expectations for as to what that next move will be. Once Ben decides to act on his decision of wanting Elaine in his life is when the prominence of colors really begins to show. Because he is finally making a decision for himself and going after what he wants, color is one of the many ways the director decides to portray that.
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