In this article "The Graduate" written for the Chicago Sun Times, Roger Ebert approaches his review of the film slightly differently than others. Rather than claiming that the movie was typical of the 1960s counterculture, he stresses the idea that, in fact, most elements of that culture were left out of the film. There are "no flower children, no hippies, no dope, no rock music, no political manifestos and no danger." Ebert points out the true blandness of the script and the characters, which many people would overlook, because it is overshadowed by the wonderful directing techniques.

His point is valid. If you look at each of the main characters individually, they are standard representations of classic personalities that existed at the time, placed in (for the most part) standard controversial situations, and handling them with standard responses. Ebert provides an accurate and simple description of Elaine's character's thoughts and adventures causing readers to realize that her character had little depth. She only shows some substantial emotion when she finds out that Ben has been sleeping with her mother, but then again, who wouldn't react similarly?

Although it seems like a criticism of the movie, the lackluster of the characters worked for two reasons. Firstly, it offset the complexity of Mrs. Robinson, allowing her character to shine as a sexual and flamboyant. In addition, it allowed both the soundtrack and the directing to shine as groundbreaking innovations in the film industry.