MovieChat Forums > The Graduate (1967) Discussion > Brilliant ending or not? (spoiler)

Brilliant ending or not? (spoiler)

posted 2 months ago by Boromir (9712)
13 replies | jump to latest

Most of us already know that the final scene wasn't planned:

On "Inside the Actors Studio (1994)," director Mike Nichols claimed that the final "sobering" emotion that Benjamin and Elaine go through was due to the fact that he had just been shouting at the two of them to laugh in the scene. The actor and actress were so scared that after laughing they stopped, looking visibly nervous. Nichols liked it so much, he decided to keep the cameras rolling and cut it into the final movie.

Question: Considering that the director initially envisioned a happy ending rather than an ambivalent one, and only decided to include the scene in the final movie due to the actors' spontaneous behavior, can we truly deem this a stroke of genius?

On one hand, this suggests a lack of foresight on the director's part regarding the possibility that they would feel a sense of regret for the reckless move they made. The original plan was for the film to conclude with both characters smiling and laughing.

On the other hand, the director deserves credit for the decision to continue filming and include the scene in the final cut of the film.

[–] MCguy (949) 2 months ago

Deciding to include the scene is the stroke of genius. If he had used the planned ending, we wouldn't be talking about this movie today.

[–] strntz (10974) 2 months ago

I wouldn't say the ending was the reason we talk about this today - the film was fascinating on *so* many levels - but I will say that not only was the ending perfect in the way it turned out on film, but more importantly, it was far more realistic than the ending originally planned.

[–] Boromir (9712) 2 months ago

"Mrs. Robinson, you're trying to seduce me..." quote help the movie stay in the collective memory of the public more than the amazing ending of the film.

[–] MCguy (949) 2 months ago

Without the ending shot, the film would have had the requite happy ending and have more in common with films of 40's and 50's. I stand by my statement. However, your point is very valid.

[–] Boromir (9712) 2 months ago

It's important for me to be precise; in my opinion, the ending of the film is one of the main reasons why it became iconic. Initially, I believed that the famous quote had a slightly greater influence on the film's popularity over the years—the primary reason it became ingrained in collective memory. Although such a thing isn't easy to measure, but still.

Your words prompted me to reconsider the issue. What you're arguing is that the ending is actually a turning point in the way stories are told in Hollywood. Thanks to the final scene, the film became unique compared to most films of its time and genre. In fact, the film emerged in opposition to the prevailing spirit of the times, setting it apart from the majority of films. I'm tend to agree.

And that's even before we talked about the visual and vocal side of the last scene - the outstanding performances by both actors, their faces changed from happiness to confusion and worry, complemented by the excellent music by Simon and Garfunkel playing in the background.

[–] MCguy (949) 2 months ago

I agree with everything you said. I wish I was so articulate.

[–] strntz (10974) 2 months ago

"Mrs. Robinson, you're trying to seduce me..." quote help the movie stay in the collective memory of the public more than the amazing ending of the film.

In fact, didn't they recycle that line in that movie with Stifler's mom?

[–] Boromir (9712) 2 months ago

Yes they did:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mV8-CHt8JXY

[–] strntz (10974) 2 months ago

LOL, saw this once years ago - I didn't remember they used "Mrs. Robinson" by Simon and Garfunkle and that the line was switched and delivered by the older woman! Thanks for that link.

[–] Boromir (9712) 2 months ago

I didn't remember either, I search the scene in YouTube based of your description.

[–] strntz (10974) 2 months ago

Question: Considering that the director initially envisioned a happy ending rather than an ambivalent one, and only decided to include the scene in the final movie due to the actors' spontaneous behavior, can we truly deem this a stroke of genius?

Maybe more fortunate happenstance? I would say genius if the director read the script or saw the daily and realized a more somber/sobering ending would work better and intentionally rewrote and shot it that way, but since the scene was an "accident", I see it less as genius and more as just the brilliance of recognizing almost divine providence when it presented itself.

On the other hand, the director deserves credit for the decision to continue filming and include the scene in the final cut of the film.

That's how I see it.

[–] Boromir (9712) 2 months ago

Maybe more fortunate happenstance? I would say genius if the director read the script or saw the daily and realized a more somber/sobering ending would work better and intentionally rewrote and shot it that way, but since the scene was an "accident", I see it less as genius and more as just the brilliance of recognizing almost divine providence when it presented itself.

Well said. The first time I watched the movie "The Graduate," I was captivated by its ending and found it brilliant. My initial impression was that the director effectively captured the sense of doubt and fear that every young person encounters after impulsively acting. However, upon learning that everything was improvised on set, I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. As you mentioned, the director didn't script the scene to align with his vision of the main characters. The director didn't pictured in his head that their escape would bring not only joy but also doubts and anxieties, such as 'What the hell are we doing now?' and as you rightly pointed out made the scene more realistic almost by mistake.

But he deserves huge credit for being able to recognize that something magical is happening and keep shooting. Not many directors are capable of that.

[–] GolfnGuitars (2426) a month ago

Count me in as one who thinks the ending is brilliant.