The Graduate

1. Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening.

In class, we talked about how films in color began in 1964. The Graduate came out in 1967. Therefore, the film was in color. When the film first came on, it was a good feeling to finally be watching a movie in full color. The content was also more forward than it used to be due to the Miracle Case.

2. Find a related article (on the film, director, studio, actor/actress, artistic content, etc.) and summarize the content.

The article, Why Mike Nichols got the gig to direct 'The Graduate' by Darby Maloney is an interview with producer Lawrence Turman after Mike Nichols death. Maloney asked Why Turman wanted Mike Nichols to direct 'The Graduate'. Turman said that Mike Nichos had only directed 'Barefoot in the Park' and "...I saw as just oozing smart, sensitive, funny direction." Therefore, he thought it'd be a perfect match; even investing his own money. 

When asked what attributes Mike Nichols brought to the film, he replied , "He's smart. He's funny. He's pinpointed. He has great people skills." He thought he would be a great director. He then continues to compliment him by saying, "...he seems to have intuitively the key to whatever it is that unlocks that person's security and confidence." 

Turman and Nichols had a great artistic relationship. Turman would come up with an idea and Nichols would say it's stupid. However, late on that night, Nichols would call Truman and say, "You know I've been thinking...." They would then have a "productive discussion."

http://www.scpr.org/programs/the-frame/2014/11/20/40452/why-mike-nichols-got-the-gig-to-direct-the-graduat/

3. Apply the article to the film screened in class.

This article is saying that Turman got Mike Nichols to direct this film. He got him to film it because he saw his potential. He knew that Mike Nichols was smart, sensitive and funny and that's the kind of film "The Graduate" is. Turman liked his directing style of being able to make people feel comfortable, thus being able to direct them more easily. 


4. Write a critical analysis of the film, including your personal opinion, formed as a result of the screening, class discussions, text material and the article.
  
Personally, I do not like this film. I think there were funny moments, but overall it did not interest me. Mike Nichols directing style of comedy mixed with sensitivity is not my cup of tea. However, it seems as though the artistic collaboration was phenomenal.