Benjamin Braddock, a graduate arrives home stressed about his future, has an affair with the wife of his dads business partner then ends it after falling for her daughter.
Watching a classic film for the first time is a risk thanks to the burden of expectation. Iconic films such as this, with many scenes being riffed on and paradied elsewhere even more so. From Airplane to The Simpsons and those cursed "100 best ..." a lot of the film was familiar. Fortunately this tale of aimless youth is strong enough to survive the lampooning and stand as more than a string of recognised clips.
This strength comes primarily from astute observations of human behaviour. Stifling parties to show off children and associated interrogations from family friends. Casual but piercing insults to defend against insults. Missing the obvious truth because of our own insecurities. Yet for every well drawn moment there is a bafflingly implausible one. Is this deliberate to keep the film light in tone. With a Simon and Garfunkel soundtrack it seems probable. It seemed charming to me but could just as easily wind you up.
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