The Graduate features one of the most open-ended, bittersweet conclusions in all of film. It's the triumphant ending, where Ben has convinced Elaine to ditch her own wedding and run away with him. They're sitting together on the bus, elated by their boldness. But the camera lingers a few seconds too long, and their excited grins start to fade from their faces, as they realise the enormity of what they've done. In the world of The Graduate, there are brief moments of happiness, but sooner or later The Sound of Silence starts playing again and you remember that you're going to die alone. But aside from the ending, their entire relationship sets off warning bells. First of all, there's the not so minor problem of Ben sleeping with Elaine's mother, which really can't be overstated. And even after that relationship is over, he doesn't so much make Elaine fall in love with him as he does wear her down. His idea of wooing her is asking over and over again if she'll marry him. They're just... not great together, and the church is barely out of the rear view mirror before you can see both of them realise that they've made a terrible mistake.
Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.
