They are in the back seat of the bus, exhilarated and smiling. Today, the movie would end there, with triumphal music and a long kiss. But The Graduate doesn't end there. Elaine loses her smile, her expression turns uncertain, she fidgets. Ben alternates between a manic grin, which we know isn't like him, and a lost look. They never touch each other, or even look at each other. That's what I mean by a non-ending. It's not at all clear that this escape will last, that this couple will stay together, that there will be an ever after.
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The end, what end, "that's the end?" In 2012, you're thinking this must be a set-up for a sequel, no movie can actually not have a conclusive wrapped up ending. But back then, as I recall, this sort of non-ending was pretty common.
Oh, I'd forgotten just how creepy Anne Bancroft is in the movie. Some of her shots are so scary.
I watched it the other night on Netflix, for the first time in a while.
Not sure why you say it has a non-ending. Love prevails, he gets the girl and they drive off (literally) into the sunset. Not sure how much more of a definitive end you can get. Show them all the way to the nursing home/grave?
(Although if the movie were current, and a hit, there'd for sure be "The Graduate II - Beleagured Mid Level Office Worker" where they are married, Anne Bancroft is the wacky now-remarried grandmother still hitting on Ben, etc.)
Agree 100% on the Anne Bancroft thing. I had that exact same reaction, I'd forgotten how creepy she is in the movie. My recollection was more straight MILF-y. 60" of modern high def doesn't help her much!
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