Sunday, October 12, 2014
The Graduate
The music in The Graduate wasn't created originally for the movie's soundtrack, but all of the songs were able to express Ben so well that no new material was needed for the movie. The movie became even more important to the story towards the end of the film, when it shifted from a satirical comedy to have a more romantic theme. The song "Scarborough Fair" plays a significant role in Ben and Elaine's relationship after Elaine finds out about Ben and Mrs. Robinson's affair. When Ben follows Elaine to Berkeley, the song is played as he searches for her on campus and only ends when Ben comes in contact with Elaine on the bus going to the zoo. The song begins again after Elaine leaves Ben in front of the monkey house to go with Carl. The song ends again when Elaine comes into Ben's apartment and an instrumental version starts when Elaine leaves, specifically the tune of the lyric "she once was a true love of mine", signifying that Ben really does love Elaine, and she is "the one that got away".
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I liked your analysis of this song and how it had such a significant impact on the events of the film. I think it's interesting how the music was not written for the film but yet it was able to match the events almost perfectly. It makes me almost wonder if the movie was written for the music and not the other way around, the way it is typically done. But one question I have is why does the song say "the one that got away" when Elaine and Ben do end up together at the end of the movie? Obviously, there are going to be some flaws in lyrics when they were not written for the film, but that is one that still confuses me.
ReplyDeleteI liked how you spoke about the song and its relativity to the plot and what was going on during each lyric. I also agree with Caroline in that I find it really interesting that the song was not chosen for the film but it is almost a perfect match. I am not really sure though why they keep repeating Scarborough Fair, because I feel like when it is said, it is said over many emotions.
ReplyDeleteI like your focus on the soundtrack because it is different from everything else I have read so far. I think it's really neat how this soundtrack and the "indie" ish vibe that it gives off goes so well with the storyline. At this time, music wasn't as crucial in film especially pertaining to the lyrics whereas this soundtrack combined with this plot defies that. Scarborough Fair is played with a montage of Ben stalking the Robinson house. This is the first time Ben has been forced to face reality but it’s placed with a very dreamy song. I think it's an interesting combination because he yearns for something dreamy (Elaine) which is what the song gives off.
ReplyDelete