The Graduate, a 1967 film directed by Mike Nichols, is a cultural phenomenon that has left an indelible mark on the cinematic terrain. The movie’s iconic plot, revolving around the complex and tumultuous relationships between Ben Braddock, Elaine Robinson, and Mrs. Robinson, has been dissected and analyzed by scholars and fans alike. However, in attempting to continue the story, the 2005 rom-com Rumor Has It… undermines the essence of The Graduate’s significance.
Charles Webb, the author of the novel that inspired the film, released a sequel titled Home School in 2007, which follows Ben and Elaine as a married couple wrestling with the challenges of homeschooling their children. However, Rumor Has It… is a more direct, albeit loose, continuation of the story. The film explores the idea that the Robinson family, including Ben and Elaine, may have been the inspiration for Webb’s novel, a concept that is both intriguing and unsettling.
A Still From The Graduate by Mike Nichols (Photo: The Graduate)
Despite its intriguing premise, Rumor Has It… fails to deliver a compelling narrative. The movie’s attempts at humor fall flat, and its characters are underdeveloped. The plot, which relies heavily on contrivances and coincidences, lacks the nuance and depth that made The Graduate so memorable.
Moreover, Rumor Has It… undoes the critique of marriage and suburban life that is central to The Graduate. The original film’s ending, which leaves the audience with a sense of uncertainty and disillusionment, is replaced with a conventional romantic comedy denouement. The sequel’s message, which promotes the idea that marriage and domesticity are the ultimate goals, is a far cry from the film’s original themes.
Rumor Has It… is not a worthy follow-up to The Graduate. While it may share some superficial connections to the original film, it lacks the depth, complexity, and nuance that made The Graduate an enduring classic. The sequel’s attempt to continue the story ultimately undermines the legacy of the original, leaving audiences with a sense of disappointment and disillusionment.
