AFI 100 Years, 100 Movies: No. 65


Back in 1998, the American Film Institute unveiled its list of the 100 greatest films as voted on by members of the cinematic community. The year, I'm looking at the films on that list, re-ranked according to my preference. Check back Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year as we walk through this list of classic films.

Benjamin: It's like I've been playing some kind of game, but the rules don't make any sense to me. They're being made up by all the wrong people. No. I mean, no one makes them up. They seem to have made themselves up.

The Graduate (1967)
Original List Position: 7
Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft, William Daniels, Murray Hamilton, and Katherine Ross
Director: Mike Nichols
About: This is an iconic film. For many it's a perfect film. I get the appeal and I get why it stood out at the time and continues to inspire people. There's something fascinating about the characters and the story. There is something fascinating about the performances, too. Nichols is a good storyteller. And yet, this has never been a personal favorite. I find some of it awkward, and the ending is a bit unsatisfying and kind of creepy for me. I get that's not a popular opinion, but this list is about how I'm ranking these films. This one is way back of where it originally landed in the Top 10 at No. 7. It remained strong on the re-issued list, landing at 17. I get why, but it's just not as moving for me, personally.

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