This article is a film review in Film Quarterly that provides a very typical response to the movie The Graduate. It is especially significant because it was written in 1968, the year after the movie was released. Because of this, the author cannot take a step back and put the movie's many messages into the context of the time, as we see it today. Rather, he is emerged in the 60s culture. Although he can still recognize the "suburban phoniness" that Ben Braddock is stuck in, for the most part his opinions are slightly skewed.

The article first discusses the importance of Nichols being a young director. Because he was young, he could bring fresh perspectives to the world of directing and could develop realistic, youthful characters. This is important, especially with Ben, who is the audiences are desperately to understand, because Nichols clearly creates a character with genuine feelings and emotions. Ben's lifelike character can also be attributed to the wonderful acting of Dustin Hoffman. When necessary, he can portray the utmost awkwardness perfectly revealing the confusion in coming of age in the 1960s. Another interesting aspect of Ben's simple character is that he can overcome the Mrs. Robinson's sexuality, which seems like a strong decision to be made by such a simple character. Although perhaps he only appears so simple when placed next to Mrs. Robinson, who's character is incredibly complex and sophisticated.

Another juxtaposition discussed in this article is the quirkiness and eccentricity of Ben's love affair with Mrs. Robinson versus his love for Elaine, which appears traditional and classic. It really depicts a difference between sex and love.

Turman has two main criticisms of the movie. Caught up in the sexual revolution, Turman has become accustomed to the overly sexual society emerging in America at the time. He therefore believes that there is a lack of sex in the movie, which he states is one of its downfalls. His second criticism is that the movie doesn't fully develop the oedipal psychological aspects that it could have.  Nevertheless, it is impossible to deny the immediate widespread appreciation for the film.