Do you agree, or do you think that this is more of a classic, happy movie ending?
Sunday, October 12, 2014
The Graduate
The ending of the film The Graduate is a very iconic scene, and one that has been referenced and parodied many times in popular culture. However, in my opinion, the most interesting thing about the scene is the way in which it misleads the audience. For a first time viewer, the film has an incredibly happy ending. Ben gets the girl and humiliates the sinister Mrs. Robinson. They vide off into the sunset together and live happily ever after. However, let us think about the implications of the scene. Elaine has just run out on her wedding, and infuriated her parents by marrying the "wrong" man. I don't think that either of them will ever be welcome home again after this. The biggest implication of this is the final two shots of the film. As Ben and Elaine sit in the back of the bus, the smiles slowly fade from their faces as the somber melody kicks in. The bus then speeds on into an incredibly uncertain future. (Not to be negative or anything!)
Do you agree, or do you think that this is more of a classic, happy movie ending?
Do you agree, or do you think that this is more of a classic, happy movie ending?
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This is a fairy-tale ending, but the beauty of film is that there's no future of the characters. No one needs to worry about this because there is no part two or sequel (for most films). If there was a part two, yeah, there would be some serious issues. But because he got his love, and that's all that matters, we, as an audience, don't have to worry about the future of Ben and Elaine.
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