Why The Graduate Is So Timeless

An analysis of Mike Nichols' 1967 classic, The Graduate.
All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel does not claim any right over them.
A note about the activity of this channel: To the many people who have expressed kind words and support for this channel over the past three years: I cannot thank you enough. I was beyond overwhelmed by the reaction of the initial video and, as a result, fumbled to continue delivering content in any sort of timely manner. I apologize for such a lengthy gap in uploading, but I am back!
Having said that-- there will not be any formal upload schedule for this channel going forward. MTMTL will be a place where I will continue to upload videos in the future when I feel they are ready. As much as I wish that I could dedicate my full time to working on video essays, it is something I do in my limited free time as a hobby. My number one priority will always be the quality of the work, which unfortunately results in a more prolonged uploading schedule. The next one might not be for another six months, perhaps even a year (I hope not!), but I cannot THANK YOU enough for choosing to give this channel even a tiny sliver of support. See you all soon.
Oh, and if you’re still reading, go check out my brother’s comedy channel: / @notnowimbusy

[@denniswilsonishere]

Greatest comeback of 2019

[@tommyblade8093]

indeed

[@Lovicide]

Saddest disappearance (again) of 2019

[@efectovertigo]

You've said it, Mr.

[@felipelourenco8054]

I love his analysys

[@ragsgang4231]

he'll be back in another 3 years.

[@SamandRie]

that pan out shot when elaine finds out ben has been having an affair with her mom, is honestly one of the creepiest shots i have ever seen.

[@bobblowhard8823]

and one of the most iconic shots in movie history.

[@ethanhart7032]

Glad to know I wasn't the only one who got the creeps by this

[@Angel_Auraa]

​@@bobblowhard8823 Wouldn't that be more Mrs. Robinson putting her leg up.

[@Angel_Auraa]

Nvm I just got back from watching that scene. It's weird how it's creepy when it's a simple pan out but it is a bit creepy.

[@bobblowhard8823]

@@Angel_Auraa That too.

[@Angel_Auraa]

I don't watch oldies movies often, but The Graduate is filmed in such a... modern way. The framing, the shots, the closeups, the opening sequence. It's filmed so well.

[@atlroxmysox98]

I love the scene where he's in this hotel for the first time and he's dressed in this suit and ordering drinks and everyone's calling him "sir" but he can't help but make a complete fool of himself because he doesn't quite know what he's doing yet and he isn't quite comfortable with the role of existing in the world as an adult man trying to be discreet about having an affair with a married woman. Like he's graduated from college and he's supposed to be ready to make his way in the world and handle things himself but he can't because he hasn't figured it out yet. It's so cringey and so relatable, even in 2020.

[@beaumontboy9374]

what? are you having an affair?

[@satwikagarwal8928]

2016- "I'll be back" 2019- "(Sorry got stuck a bit) Told you so."

[@martinenyx-filmstuff305]

Yep. Same experience. Definitely hit me in a different way when I rewatched it after I had graduated from college with honors and found myself jobless and absolutely clueless as to what to do with my life.

[@martinenyx-filmstuff305]

Funny how, in my case, just like in Ben’s, sex was pretty much the only “certainty” I had and, in a way, even the only “consolation” I had at that time. Damn. I feel like I’m only just discovering this film for the first time.

[@thepurplepalace85]

Keep posting! We need you here 💥

[@wufwuf2893]

Yes girl he has picked some of the best movies we all can ager on it. next I hope like clockwork orange or Fargo

[@SledgerPlays]

Hey you better not disappear for another 3 years again!

[@SpidermanDelObelisco]

To late

[@tc8613]

Sadly.

[@Peskyjooba]

He did

[@realhillkell]

Haha

[@ummaumar4261]

No one is mentioning the soothing music the film had and mindblowing transitions.

[@denisherlock3023]

Really great analysis Well, see you in 3 years...

[@tabathaterry2998]

Missed all the points of the movie!

[@markk6151]

lmaoo man

[@prax9918]

Legend had that More then meets the lens will return

[@jerrygil1965]

I'm 18 and this movie REALLY spoke to me. The main character had the feels and I felt kinda anxious for him. My favorite coming-of-age film💜

[@joeblow9374]

that's what makes it timeless. the details change but the story remains the same.

[@LewyLewy2008]

Anne Bancroft so nailed her role. I was so surprised to read that in real life there was only six years between her and Dustin Hoffman. In reality, nothing too out of the ordinary about that age difference but they acted their parts so well.

[@CHA2E]

Dude you gotta keep making these man you’re on par with Nerdwriter without trying to be overly deep like he does occasionally. And if you ever see this, please do one about Children of Men. Seriously one of the most underrated gems of my generation of film.

[@viz2y]

So i guess the upload schedule is once every three years

[@killerashtray1396]

2 years to go!

[@viz2y]

@@killerashtray1396 lol yep

[@RigginsPasses]

The Graduate was filmed thru Apr 24, 1967 to Aug 25, 1967, Dustin Hoffman was 29 going on 30, Anne Bancroft was 35, Katharine Ross was 27, Murray Hamilton was 44, William Daniels was 40, Elizabeth Wilson was 46, Brian Avery was 26 going on 27 all during the filming of The Graduate

[@adamesd3699]

I’ve watched this movie so many times over so many years. From when I was far younger than Ben, to now decades later, when he seems so young. Even had it as a subject in film class. It’s still mesmerizing and I see something new in it every time.

[@watchthemtilt8927]

This is so weird I just stumbled upon his first video at 4 am today and two days ago he uploads his second video. This is truly remarkable.

[@WYIT0]

I just watched Taxi Driver for the first time and was looking on KZbin for some analysis videos and saw yours first. While I was watching Taxi Driver it got me thinking about how I need to revisit The Graduate. How crazy it is that the other video you've done (6 days ago may I add) is on The Graduate?!

[@cynthialeveque6606]

This is my favorite movie. I love The Graduate.

[@smen2586]

After three long years, he's back!

[@eddieibarra356]

I saw The Graduate for the first time when I was 12 years old I was impact by the music now that I watch as I am getting older is the editing, cinematography, and the message of the film, the identity of graduating college, and entering in the workforce.

[@bgjr2304]

WHERE DID YOU GO MAN!!?? WE MISS YOU!!! WE WANT MORE!! Love from Canada

[@houston-coley]

I check out this dude’s Taxi Driver video 2 days ago and think to myself “man, he hasn’t posted in 3 years? That sucks.” Lo and behold.

[@WilUptonYT]

This is a piece of art

[@EyeLean5280]

Very nice! The first time I saw The Graduate, I was Elaine's age. Next time I saw it I was Mrs. Robinson's age. What a difference in how I understood the film!

[@EyeLean5280]

I can't remember which critic it was who wrote it, nor can I find it online, but I remember distinctly reading an analysis by a middle-aged man who'd experienced the same dramatic shift in perspective I'd had... "now you understand why Mrs. Robinson doesn't want to talk to Ben. What could she possibly have to say to the twit?"

[@EyeLean5280]

Oh, hey, maybe it was Roger Ebert?

[@BrainCandied]

I had the Taxi Driver video in my watch later for the longest, I'm glad I finally watched it and I'm happy to see that I did around the time you've finally returned. More content please.

[@sopyleecrypt6899]

Looking forward to next year’s video 👍

[@Laurencetw]

I hear you. this guy's takes are really quite wonderful and hope takes your hint to upload more often.

[@tsunamiblitz7698]

This guys a damn legend took 3 years off, still has and gained followers over the 3 years, drops a new video that has got 8.5k views. A move like this would end most youtubers careers.

[@tsunamiblitz7698]

@Sudarshan g s 💯

[@danthechatterboxman]

Masterpiece of a film

[@LoneLoaf]

thank you for returning, i was worried you were gonna put out only one amazing video

[@jackwillcox9330]

I think these 3 videos are some of the great videos on KZbin amazing KZbin channel and great videos on my favourite movie taxi driver and my favourite tv series the sopranos

[@samanthagreen9639]

My family used to watch the annual showing of The Graduate on PRIME TIME during the Million Dollar Movie back in the 1970s. We would laugh and gasp and cheer -- a family of 7, - Mom, Dad, 2 girls and 3 boys from ages 4 to 16, a proud hip Black family in da hood of Philly. We'd talk during the commercials about sex, white people having so much wealth yet still being kinda unhappy & what we'd do with a pool! (LOL), ask sex questions, marvel at seeing Norman Fell from Three's Company STILL playing a grouchy protective landlord and the geeky guy from CLOSE ENCOUNTERS of The THIRD KIND and how that hippie soundtrack definitely kicked ass. Mom, a staunch church goer- would always holler & rant about Ben using the cross as a weapon and lock to help him & Elaine escape. Sometimes she liked it and other times it bothered her. As the baby, I couldn't wait to be old enough to truly GET IT. I own the film. I just watched it today. I am 52yrs old. It STILL makes me laugh, gasp, cringe, giggle and cheer! Plus, I never thought I'd still learn and grow from rewatching it, but although I will always have a soft spot for the goofy, aimless, kinda creepy love-starved Benjamin-- I felt a bit more PITY and EMPATHY for the adults, well mostly Mrs. Robinson. GO COUGARS!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just wish she didn't have to feel so bitter & crushed inside that she wanted to punish her daughter by marrying the dumbass aryan looking frat boy. But then, if Mrs. Robinson had just divorced & left to actually have a life instead of still being a megabitch, there would be NO GREAT ENDING TO THE MOVIE. Also, this was the 1st time for me, EVER, that I watched the movie and FINALLY noticed, that nobody, not even her adult friends or husband, servants, her LOVER----nobody ever refers to Mrs. Robinson by her FIRST NAME. I kept WACTHING & WAITING. Then it hit me that nobody in my family during all the viewings, and even reading different reviews' no mention of this character as AN INDEPENDENT INDIVIDUAL. Nope, just a wife, and that was just a mistake. WoW. THIS is the REAL Darth Mader. With no bullshit pop-psycho-babble explanation or excuse. Some people are born and raised in a society that actually conditions them to make choices that are detrimental to their own existence. Some people manage to fight through the mess with moments of clarity. Mrs. Robinson is NOT one of those people. Ben and Elaine APPEAR to have this moment at the end of the film BUT this was just a moment. IT WON'T LAST. That's Life. Now What? THIS FILM IS MAGNIFICENT & TIMELESS for the OPEN-HEARTED and OPEN-MINDED.

[@moviesgalore9947]

The movie is fresh for today only cell phones and computers are missing but it still works. That's the true sign it's a timeless classic. 50 years from now it will still resonate with viewers.

[@PinkNintendoDuo87]

“The Graduate”film was not only a groundbreaking masterpiece for the time it was released (the 1960s). There is (in some way) a critical examination of relationships with significant age gaps, especially concerning older women/younger men. I also think it was pretty clever for the film to have an open ending.

[@PinkNintendoDuo87]

Props to the actors (especially Dustin Hoffman, Katharine Ross, Anne Bancroft) who made their respective characters believable! 👍

[@SSArcher11]

pretty good analysis. Remember, everything in a Rorschach is personal.

[@raouldookie8542]

perfection

[@sunkilmoonfan]

Rewatched taxi driver and wanted some opinions on it and i found your video. Then i checked the comments and was very sad since i saw a lot of people wondering where you had gone. Then todah i rewatched the video and clicked on your channel and saw a new upload. Im so happy that you have finally come back. Hopefully you decide to stay since i enjoy your content and i truly believe that you can go further and expand to other sorts of analysis witch i will enjoy watching.

[@DrakeJosh-nc5ql]

Trivia: Jack nance was a strong contender for hoffman's role and Jack was considered all the way up until filming started. Charles Grodin, burt ward, Robert Redford, Warren Beatty, keir dullea, Brandon dewilde, Steve mcqueen, George hamilton, robert Duvall, George peppard, jack Nicholson, Anthony Perkins, were all also considered for the role.a Alot of names.

[@Auchentoshan]

0:11 exact words when the notification for ur channel popped up

[@namyarasree]

Saw the movie in 1969, at 19. Still love it..!!!!

[@AEO21Productions]

Jeezus... this guy is so good at this; going over themes and intentions of the film and going over the details, he should do more of these.. many many more.. I'll be eagerly awaiting the next time we get to go through another of these

[@Iamapersoncommenting]

Fantastic story. I really enjoyed watching

[@Kaisaccountt]

I don’t know why he doesn’t make more videos? He has a potential gold mind of a channel

[@sharonodonnell7744]

It's a very poetic film. Especially during the s and g soundtrack.

[@possum-mom1603]

I cannot express my feelings towards this movie. I watched it lately (I'm 18) and I found myself feeling every bit of Benjamin's insecuruty, discontent and incertainty. Every time he was asked what he will do in the future and he answered that he didn't know, or when he was floating in the swimming pool for hours - that's how I fell right now, slowly going into adulthood, leaving everything safe behind, trying to do right things. I don't know if my perception will change in the future, but as for now I love this movie and the way it portrays what everyone has to face at a certain age. Great analysis, I liked how you pointed out Graduate's editing and camera tricks - that's what makes this movie a real masterpiece. Thank you for your work on this video.

[@chemigrayo6448]

About Scarborough Fair, not only is it used imo opinion to show his increasingly uninhibited actions, but the lyrics are literally about a set of challenges that a person has to go through in order to win their love - rather a good metaphor for what he is going through.

[@Morbutt]

I saw this film for the first time only a year ago, 55 years after the film was initially released (!) and despite the film being about loneliness and the vacillations present in nascent early adulthood, I still felt a cerebral connection to it at the age of 34. The film is *_very_* timeless, as a matter of fact.

[@diastleu274]

Taxi Driver my fifth most favourite movie, The Graduate is second, are you gonna beat 5 out of 5 my top movies?)

[@diastleu274]

@Afonso Carmo Bladerunner by Ridley Scott Graduate Inside Lewen Davies The Silence of the Lamb Taxi Driver

[@rabidwombat1912]

i absolutely love taxi driver to me it is timeless

[@799beastmode]

HEAT

[@dylansque]

@@diastleu274 inside llewyn davies is such an underrated gem. Try Trainspotting, Im sure youll enjoy it too.

[@diastleu274]

@@dylansque I love it) and it is not so far from this five awesome movies) Chose Life)

[@hankmoody2345]

The soundtrack is epic. Just loved the music and the Alfa Romeo

[@sweetcanary3006]

very nice, I love Ann Bancroft she is an amazing actress, this movie is of interest just to see her act. Dustin Hoffman is excellent, even he looks good in the movies

[@nedkuczmynda3782]

This is a well made video essay.

[@eyesack8905]

Thanks for uploading again man, this is just as awesome as your taxi driver analysis

[@soupnoodlesam]

I've always thought the sound of silence sequence is an absolutely perfect display of how it feels to be dissonant from life

[@scarletvalencia8172]

Please make more! You're so good at talking about the anatomy of films.

[@timsopinion]

This is an absolute triumph. Wow. Well done.

[@anaconcha7940]

I found this channel maybe 2 weeks ago and was so disappointed when I found there was only one video. I came back to watch Taxi Driver again and I see that this was posted 6 hours ago! Great surprise!

[@mostchillmusic7581]

WE SIMILAR YET DIFFERENT

[@Act3Studios]

Welcome back sir

[@abigailh7715]

What a phenomenal amd masterful analysis. Would love to see more of your insights

[@spacesoup6797]

Man these are really good and thought provoking. Good shit. 👍

[@paulomontini2598]

Welcome back, man.

[@josephdandrea8915]

Holy crap a new video from you! Welcome back!!!

[@doubt_everything]

Video was not available in my country an hour ago due to copyrights or something, glad that it is now. Welcome back! Also please have an email or twitter link in your channel description, so that people can reach you.

[@dsarkar1681]

So great to have you back!💙💙

[@elmochaorejas6122]

Welcome back, greetings from México

[@emanuelcarvalho8510]

his content its so rich, I would love him to come back with more videos, and a did read the description, hope he brings more videos soon :)

[@saieshpatil7077]

Finally you uploaded Would love to see your take on joker

[@dkirk5814]

A masterclass in film analysis and delivery. More please.

[@solsorocks123]

life is crazy i chose to do an essay on the taxi driver for no reason, i couldve written about a lollipop or shoe if i wanted to but i choose the taxi driver because id never seen it until 2 days ago at 1 am because it was the only free time i had. and today your taxi driver video was recommended to me and the comments i saw the most were "this is a movie you need to watch at 1am" and comments sad because that was the only video you have posted and it's been years, and now you have posted!!!!!! ( i know this is not crazy but it's the little things in life)

[@helle_larsen]

A really good analysis of this brilliant movie!

[@youknowwhyyouarehere6257]

keep going don't stop

[@mamumaumau7205]

I just watched The Graduate for the third time....I will take a break for a few years and then possibly watch it again...Bonus for the Alpha Romeo in the film !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@kassykreutzer6972]

Your great video analysis

[@jorgefiguerola1693]

So much wanted to be Benjamin Braddock. So much wanted a Mrs.Robinson in my life. So it was. So it went. All is good.

[@gosponstrojevar6856]

I can't believe this. A new video. Finally....

[@spankitshankit8733]

Thank god the best content creator posted again

[@artsbeatla]

Good analysis. I would add that the ending is so clear in its intention to be the opposite of the classic romantic ending. "The guy gets the girl / the girl gets the guy and they both ride off into the sunset to live happily ever after." Not here. The guy gets the girl / the girl gets the guy and they ride off into the sunset accompanied by the depressing lyrics "Hello darkness, my old friend..." with panicked "Now what?!" expressions on their faces. And what kind of future happiness can we envision for Elaine, considering Ben has been having an affair with her mom...? Brilliant satire.

[@karlspaak7069]

After all this waiting he finally came back

[@edwardmiller4190]

Finally. So glad you are back

[@danielzapata9600]

This and the Taxi Driver video are top notch, I would love to see you making a video analyzing my favorite film, American Beauty.

[@pioneer3729]

...that we'll bargain the experience of being alive for the appearance of it....WOW...

[@lukegamblin8316]

So glad you decided to make another video

[@Outdoors49Man]

The Graduate came out my freshman year in college. I think it's the only movie I've seen 3 times in the theater. Oh yes, and I used to stare into my aquarium on my desk.

[@Vijay0Yadav]

Greatest comeback ever. Can you tell us where have you been.

[@themiketysonshow9493]

Great video. Wanted another for so long but didnt think it would happen. I hope you'll upload again soon

[@waynekozak1462]

Excellent video! Thank you

[@zachariebiollo5836]

Im so glad your back

[@DecentPlayerNA]

Awesome

[@sonsofbiscuits1]

Glad to have you back. To have such a positive response from one video shows how much people respect the quality of your work. Would love for there to be more frequent uploads. Interested in your observations of There Will Be Blood.

[@izrafs2762]

I just watched your taxi driver video and immediately subscribed. You make fantastic content that is analytical while also being assessable to people new to film analysis. Really great work and I look forward to new content.

[@jackburton3540]

He Has Returned!

[@eamonnmoroney5963]

Great video man, good to see you are back

[@dropkickmurphy4114]

How you describe The Graduate in its generation makes me think of American Beauty for my generation.

[@ChristianOrtizTV]

My man. I need more!! Let’s go!

[@rolland890]

Just watched your Taxi Driver video, subbed, then watched this one - keep giving us good content! You're awesome!

[@ezzy7151]

What an underated channel, I'll be subbed and waiting for the next one, even if it takes 3 more years.

[@thatone8432]

Oh fuck yeah you’re back

[@mikemcardle7466]

Perfect breakdown of this film. Thank you Patrick Fitzsimmons, thank you for doing it! 🙂

[@chaeyoungvideos5742]

Great video! Welcome back man!!!!!!