Lisa Lindsey – Google

It’s a generational thing. The Graduate spoke to young people in the 1960s. First, the soundtrack was “our music.” Secondly, the subject matter was still taboo and therefore ahead of its time. Third, Dustin Hoffman. He embodies all the conflicts of the college-aged youth of the era: bored, scared, naïve, idealistic, confused, frustrated, angry: “What about my future? Why not live in the present moment? Maybe I’ll drop out. Why can’t I do what I want – and not what my parents expect of me? Why am I obsessed with this girl? Do I really love her, or is she irresistible because I can’t have her?” Ben lives in a world where you didn’t trust “the Establishment” or anyone over 30. His parents values (making lots of money and becoming a success) were not his values... at the moment. I first saw the movie in 1972 when I was 16. I LOVED IT. It really spoke to me.