THE GRADUATE
Since The Graduate turns 50 this year it is now officially considered a classic .While darlings you may or may not know I am a film buff .Hence it is one of my objectives to make you appreciate great films and great film fashion. Since the prominence of Netflix and my favorite TCM ( Turner Classic Movies ), classic films have grown in popularity.
Therefore The Graduate ,which launched the careers of director Mike Nichols ,actor Dustin Hoffman and the musical duo Simon & Garfunkle is popular today,This film is a true classic and a personal favorite. Moreover in 1996 The Graduate was selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry. Above all else it was recognized as culturally and aesthetically significant. First of all it was recognized for it’s unprecedented plot. Especially relevant to me were the costumes designed by Patricia Zipprodts. Arguably the costumes made a huge impression on me and American Society. The costumes are also derserving of the term classic.
THE GRADUATE; THE UNPRECEDENTED PLOT
Since the 60s gave birth to the sexual revolution, it’s not surprising that the highest grossing film of 1967 had a sexual theme. Therefore the film follows 21 year old Benjamin Braddock (Hoffman). Since graduating he is contemplating the best way to start his post college life. Consequently Braddock returns to his family’s suburban home in California.
Still uncertain about his future, he flails headlong into a life crisis and is seduced by a bored housewife —a woman twice his age—Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft). Hence he goes on to spend his summer days floating around his parents’ backyard swimming pool. Meanwhile his nights are spent bedding Mrs. Robinson at the Taft Hotel. In the meantime the Robinsons’ daughter, Elaine (Katharine Ross), comes home from Berkeley for a visit, In addition after a rocky start, she and Benjamin fall for each other, creating an uncomfortable mother-daughter love triangle.
THE GRADUATE ; THE COSTUMES
Since this blog post is primarily concerned with fashion , let’s examine that in this film.Therefore as a costume designer myself let me tell you fashion and costumes although not the same are interdependent. Since the costume functions as a way to inform the audience about the character one of those elements is fashion. Moreover the costume tells you the characters social status, gender, economic class, time and place. The costume is much like the clothes you choose each day.
In fact the costumes of Mrs. Robinson are these subtly sexy dresses (reminiscent of lacy lingerie). In addition Mrs Robinson’s character is further revealed by her on-the-prowl animal-print patterns. Moreover her signature panty hose are scene stealing. Mrs Robinson’s costumes are set up brilliantly against Elaine’s. Elaines fresh-faced and pure looks are supported by her A-line shift-dresses . Elaines sixties co-ed. look is jutaposed her mothers overtly sexual attrie.
THE GRADUATE: THE STYLE
Everything from Mrs. Robinson’s tan lines to the tumblers in which she serves bourbon were chosen for their stylistic implications. Since the release of this film till today The Graduate film is an example of sophisistication and refinement.
Therefore made in 1967, The Gradaute exists in the grey area between sixties mod and seventies refinement. From Anne Bancroft’s cougar-printed looks to Dustin Hoffman’s overgrown schoolboythis film has style . Hence the style in the film is kooky , oddball and chic, and perfect for a 2017 revival. To help you adopt the film’s pannache and fashion sense, I’ve selected some items that evoke the same feel, get inspired. I give The Graduate the credit it is due. Here’s to you, Mrs. Robinson.
