574. The Graduate

The Graduate
Charles Webb
1963
Around 270 pages

And speaking of male fantasies, now we have Mrs. Robinson. This wasn't a bad novel, but it is one of the rare examples of a movie improving upon the book adaptation. I mean, without the Simon and Garfunkel song, what's the point?

We all know the story and the leg, and we can all probably misquote Benjamin saying "Mrs. Robinson, are you trying to seduce me?" Last entry, we had "the naked woman in a waterfall" scenario, now we have the "hot mom of girlfriend throwing herself at you." I think slutty nurse is next.

It is a very weird time after you graduate college, even if you don't have a total fox trying to get you into bed. Webb does a good job capturing that listless and uncertain energy, but the movie was ultimately more effective at transforming this premise into art.

The sixties were a weird time.

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

Webb wrote this shortly after graduating college.

Webb wrote a sequel 40 years later, which was poorly received.

UP NEXT: Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut