Leitmotifs in The Graduate (11/1/2020)
A film reflection I had to write for school. Word limit was 300-400 words, but I have a lot more to add so this is more of an extended version. The prompt is basically just about how leitmotifs (musical motifs in a film) affect the film. Maybe one of the biggest strengths that attribute to the legacy of The Graduate is the spectacular soundtrack, written and performed by popular folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel. Three songs are prominently featured in the film: “The Sound of Silence,” “Mrs. Robinson,” and “Scarborough Fair.” These are each used as leitmotifs to signify one significant theme of the film. “The Sound of Silence” matches the motif of passive driftfulness, and just as “Mrs. Robinson” is matched with Mrs. Robinson and danger, “Scarborough Fair” serves as a symbol for Elaine and Ben’s pursuit of her. Unlike the rest of the film, “Scarborough Fair” occurs at a point where Ben is actively pursuing a goal, instead of following where life takes him. “Scarborough Fair” fir...