The Graduate Scene Analysis: Mise-en-Scene of the 'Reveal' William Humanic College

One scene that rewards extended analysis is the “reveal” scene from Mike Nichols’ The Graduate. This scene can represent the rising action in the narrative of the film and it perfectly shows off the usage of the rack focus shot. The scene also illustrates the impact a quick and urgent scene followed by a slow and dramatic scene can have on a portion of a film, and what a rainy or wet setting and costume design can portray in a scene.

Up to this point in the film a recently graduated college student named Ben has been having an affair with his father’s work partner’s wife, Mrs. Robinson. This has been going on for several months, but when Mrs. Robinson’s daughter, Elaine, comes home from college Ben’s parents push him to go on a date with her. Mrs. Robinson has already expressed what will happen if he follows through with a date with Elaine. Ben takes Elaine out anyway and develops strong feelings for her. On their date Ben explains how he is having an affair with an older woman, but that he is adamant in ending it. Elaine accepts this, and they plan another date. The reveal scene starts out with Ben arriving at the Robinson’s house and Mrs. Robinson intercepting him before he has a chance to go inside. It is raining very hard....