The Graduate Film Analysis

The movie that I have chosen to critique is The Graduate directed by Mike Nichols. After watching this movie, I think that Cinematographer, Robert Surtees, used his creativity and technical knowledge to construct a realism film with twists of formalism. This film has all the tell-tale signs of being realistic with the camera at eye level, the use of natural lighting and depicts society during the 1960s. However, Surtees uses formalism during critical stages of the storyline to draw the audience in emotionally.

In The Graduate, the Director of Photography, Surtees, uses close-ups and/or medium shots throughout the film but at important situations in the storyline there are a few point-of-view shots that emphasize what the main character, Ben is feeling. In the beginning of The Graduate a close-up shot of Ben with a blank expression on an airplane and then again in his room, in front of a fish tank give the audience the feeling that Ben is struggling with something. In the scene of Ben's birthday party, the audience is given the point-of-view of Ben by seeing what Ben sees thru a scuba mask. The only sound

This overwhelming tones and shadows give the scenes a more dramatic feel and leaves the audience with the mystery as to what is going to transpire next. The natural lighting used in this film produces shadows on each characters face. I find this to symbolize that each character has an alternative agenda whether we are revealed it or not. They are all trying to act accordingly to societies expectations but their faces expose their fabrications. Mrs. Robinson sways Ben to come inside to the sun porch. The whole shot in the sunporch has the appearance of the fish tank with all the glass windows and plants but the natural lighting from a few lamps around the room gives an intense feeling of unease and this low key tone of something crucial to the storyline is about to take