Graduate Scene Analysis Essay

Professor Bliss Lim

Film and Media 85A

November 21st, 2016 The Graduate Scene Analysis The Graduate (dir. Mike Nichols, 1967) uses formal elements of elliptical editing to convey a passage of time in order to advocate the overall thematic meaning of the film. The use of temporal ellipsis, seen through various dissolves and graphic matches found in this montage sequence, carries a great significance on the scene’s narrative by convincing the spectator that Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman), a recent college graduate, is aimless. By allowing the viewer to clearly identify the notion of time passing, they are assured that Ben is stuck in a continuous cycle and is “drifting” through life without a care in the world- a visual and diegetic

In the opening of this scene, Benjamin drifts in the pool for a lengthy amount of time. This passage of time is made clear to the spectator through the use of dissolves, each opening with Ben in either a new spot in the pool or in a new position. Shots one through shot seven are all linked by dissolves; this sequence of linked shots carries a great overall significance to the scene’s thematic meaning of drifting. In these shots Ben is pictured floating aimlessly in his parents pool after beginning his affair with Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft). The notion of drifting convinces the viewer that he is not only stuck in a continuous rut, but truly does not feel as if he is in control of his life. The idea of being carried by forces that aren’t his own (e.g. a floating device), is a motif seen heavily throughout the film and plays an important role in spectatorial affect and thematic meaning by reiterating that Ben is drifting through life and ultimately will be stuck in a cycle prompted by his desire to prove himself and branch out from his parents upper class suburban