“Mrs. Robinson, you’re trying to seduce me. Aren’t you?” These iconic words, spoken by Dustin Hoffman’s character Benjamin Braddock in the 1967 film “The Graduate,” have become one of the most memorable lines in cinematic history. The film, directed by Mike Nichols, tells the story of a recent college graduate who becomes entangled in an affair with the wife of his father’s business partner.
The quote has since become synonymous with the themes of seduction, temptation, and the exploration of societal norms. Benjamin’s shocked and confused reaction to Mrs. Robinson’s advances resonates with audiences, as he grapples with his own desires and the expectations placed upon him by society.
It is not simply the words themselves that have made this quote so enduring, but the way in which they are delivered by Hoffman. His tone of disbelief and vulnerability perfectly captures Benjamin’s naivety and innocence, drawing viewers further into the complex emotions of the film.
“Are you trying to seduce me?”
As “The Graduate” explores themes of identity, sexuality, and the conflict between conformity and personal fulfillment, this quote serves as a pivotal moment in the film. It captures the essence of Benjamin’s internal struggle and his realization that he must confront his own desires and make choices that will shape the course of his life.
The Background Story
The quote “Are you trying to seduce me?” is one of the most famous lines from the film “The Graduate.” The Graduate is a 1967 American romantic comedy-drama film directed by Mike Nichols and written by Buck Henry and Calder Willingham. It stars Dustin Hoffman as Benjamin Braddock, a recent college graduate who is unsure about his future.
The story revolves around Benjamin’s affair with Mrs. Robinson, the wife of his father’s business partner. Mrs. Robinson is an older woman who seduces Benjamin, leading to a complicated love triangle when Benjamin falls for her daughter, Elaine.
The film explores themes of alienation, disillusionment, and the generation gap between young adults and their parents. It is considered a groundbreaking film for its time, addressing taboo subjects such as extramarital affairs and sexual liberation.
The quote “Are you trying to seduce me?” is spoken by Benjamin when Mrs. Robinson tries to initiate a sexual encounter with him. It has since become an iconic line in film history, often quoted and parodied in popular culture.
The Graduate was a critical and commercial success, winning several awards and receiving nominations for the Academy Awards. It is regarded as one of the greatest films of all time and has had a lasting impact on the art of filmmaking.
| Title | The Graduate |
| Director | Mike Nichols |
| Writers | Buck Henry, Calder Willingham |
| Starring | Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft, Katharine Ross |
| Release Date | December 22, 1967 (United States) |
The Iconic Phrase
The phrase “Are you trying to seduce me?” is one of the most famous and iconic lines in movie history. It is uttered by the character Benjamin Braddock, played by Dustin Hoffman, in the 1967 film “The Graduate”. The film, directed by Mike Nichols, explores themes of youth, rebellion, and the confusion of adulthood.
The line is spoken during a pivotal scene where Mrs. Robinson, a family friend and love interest of Benjamin, attempts to seduce him. Benjamin is initially hesitant, but eventually succumbs to her advances. He later realizes the moral implications of his actions and the turmoil it causes within his own life and the lives of those around him.
This line has become engrained in pop culture and has been referenced and parodied in various forms of media throughout the years. It has come to symbolize the complexity and allure of forbidden desires and the moral dilemmas that can arise from them.
Not only is the line memorable for its content, but also for the way it is delivered. Hoffman’s deadpan delivery and the raw emotion in his voice add to the impact of the line and make it even more memorable.
The phrase has also been analyzed and dissected by film critics and scholars, exploring its deeper meaning and its significance within the context of the film. It represents a turning point for Benjamin’s character and serves as a reflection of the deeper themes of the movie.
In conclusion, “Are you trying to seduce me?” is an iconic phrase that has made a lasting impact on cinema and popular culture. Its significance within the film “The Graduate” and its exploration of themes such as love, desire, and maturity make it a memorable and thought-provoking line.
Context in the Movie
The Graduate, released in 1967, is a classic American comedy-drama directed by Mike Nichols. The film tells the story of Benjamin Braddock, a recent college graduate who is uncertain about his future and becomes entangled in a complicated romantic relationship.
The famous quote, “Are you trying to seduce me?”, is said by Benjamin (played by Dustin Hoffman) to Mrs. Robinson (played by Anne Bancroft), the wife of his father’s business partner. The quote occurs during a pivotal scene in the movie where Mrs. Robinson attempts to initiate a sexual relationship with Benjamin.
The scene takes place in a hotel room, where Benjamin and Mrs. Robinson have been meeting secretly. Mrs. Robinson, who is considerably older than Benjamin, manipulates him into having an affair with her, using his vulnerability and confusion to her advantage.
Benjamin, although initially hesitant, eventually succumbs to Mrs. Robinson’s advances. However, his line, “Are you trying to seduce me?”, shows his growing realization of the inappropriate nature of their relationship and the moral dilemma he is facing.
This quote has become one of the most iconic lines in cinematic history, capturing a moment of tension and self-discovery in the film. It demonstrates Benjamin’s internal struggle as he grapples with his desires, societal expectations, and the consequences of his actions.
Overall, The Graduate explores themes of love, desire, and the pressure to conform to societal norms. It presents a complex and thought-provoking examination of the challenges faced by a young person transitioning into adulthood.
Cultural Impact
The quote “Are you trying to seduce me?” from the 1967 film The Graduate has had a significant cultural impact since its release. The film, directed by Mike Nichols and starring Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft, explores themes of love, marriage, and disillusionment, and this particular line has become one of its most memorable moments.
The quote is spoken by Hoffman’s character, Benjamin Braddock, during a scene in which Mrs. Robinson, played by Bancroft, attempts to seduce him. The line has become iconic for several reasons.
- Relevance to the story: The quote perfectly captures the tension and confusion that Benjamin feels as he navigates his relationship with Mrs. Robinson. It highlights the forbidden nature of their affair and foreshadows the conflicts that arise throughout the film.
- Impact on popular culture: The line has been parodied and referenced in various forms of media, from movies and television shows to commercials and even political speeches. Its enduring popularity showcases the lasting impact of The Graduate as a cultural touchstone.
- Exploration of societal taboos: The Graduate was released during a time of significant social change, and the film’s examination of a youthful protagonist’s affair with an older woman challenged conventional notions of love, relationships, and marriage. The quote serves as a powerful symbol of the film’s exploration of societal taboos.
- Reflection of sexual anxieties: The quote has been interpreted as a reflection of the sexual anxieties and uncertainties of the era. Benjamin’s question can be seen as a manifestation of his own internal conflicts and confusion about his desires and societal expectations.
In conclusion, the quote “Are you trying to seduce me?” from The Graduate has had a profound cultural impact since its release. It has become a lasting symbol of the film’s exploration of taboo topics, as well as a widely recognized reference in popular culture. Its relevance and resonance continue to endure, cementing its place in cinematic history.
Parodies and References
The iconic line “Are you trying to seduce me?” from the movie The Graduate has been widely parodied and referenced in popular culture. Here are some notable examples:
- South Park: In the episode “The Biggest Douche in the Universe,” a character named John Edward says the line, “Are you trying to seduce me?” to a spirit guide.
- The Simpsons: In the episode “The Bart Wants What It Wants,” Bart Simpson says the line, “Are you trying to seduce me?” in a comical manner.
- Family Guy: In the episode “McStroke,” Peter Griffin says the line, “Are you trying to seduce me?” when a burger is presented to him in a seductive manner.
- That ’70s Show: In the episode “Class Picture,” Eric Forman says the line, “Are you trying to seduce me?” when a girl wearing a wedding dress flirts with him.
Additionally, the line has been referenced in various TV shows, movies, and comedy sketches over the years, often as a playful nod to the original scene. It has become a cultural reference point for moments of awkward seduction or unexpected advances.
The impact of this memorable quote from The Graduate continues to resonate in popular culture, showcasing the lasting influence of the film on comedy and media.
Misquotations and Variations
Quotes from movies often become iconic and are often repeated and paraphrased over time. Sometimes these quotes are misremembered or misquoted, leading to variations of the original line. One such example is the quote “Are you trying to seduce me?” from the movie The Graduate.
The actual line from the movie is “Mrs. Robinson, you’re trying to seduce me, aren’t you?” These words were spoken by the character Benjamin Braddock, played by actor Dustin Hoffman. However, the line has been misquoted and parodied in various ways, often omitting the “aren’t you?” part.
The line has since become a popular cultural reference and has been used in a variety of contexts. It is often used humorously or to hint at a situation where someone is trying to manipulate or seduce another person.
Additionally, variations of the quote have emerged over time, with slight changes to the wording. Some examples include:
- “Are you trying to seduce me, Mrs. Robinson?”
- “Are you trying to seduce me, or is it just my imagination?”
- “Are you trying to seduce me, or am I just dreaming?”
These variations maintain the essence of the original line but add subtle tweaks to fit different contexts or to inject humor into the phrase.
In conclusion, the quote “Are you trying to seduce me?” from The Graduate has become a memorable line in popular culture, but it is often misquoted or varied in different ways. Despite these variations, the line remains a recognizable and iconic phrase that continues to be referenced in various forms of media.
Criticisms and Interpretations
The quote “Are you trying to seduce me?” from the 1967 film The Graduate has become one of the most iconic lines in cinematic history. However, it has also received its fair share of criticisms and interpretations from viewers and critics alike.
Some see the line as a representation of the protagonist’s confusion and vulnerability. Benjamin Braddock, played by Dustin Hoffman, is a young college graduate who finds himself torn between societal expectations and his own desires. When Mrs. Robinson, an older family friend, makes advances towards him, Benjamin reacts with a mixture of shock, intrigue, and discomfort. His question, “Are you trying to seduce me?”, encapsulates his uncertainty and the moral dilemma he faces.
Others interpret the line as a critique of the character’s naivety and innocence. Benjamin is portrayed as a somewhat clueless and socially awkward young man who is easily manipulated by Mrs. Robinson. His response to her advances reflects his lack of experience and understanding of the situation.
There are also those who view the line as a commentary on gender dynamics and power dynamics in relationships. Mrs. Robinson, a confident and sexually assertive woman, challenges traditional gender norms by taking the initiative in pursuing Benjamin. His question, “Are you trying to seduce me?”, can be seen as both an acknowledgment of her power and a questioning of his own role in the situation.
Overall, the quote “Are you trying to seduce me?” has sparked various interpretations and critical discussions. It serves as a central moment in The Graduate, encapsulating themes of confusion, innocence, gender dynamics, and moral dilemmas. Its impact on popular culture and its continued relevance today is a testament to its enduring significance in film history.
Legacy and Popularity
The quote “Are you trying to seduce me?” from the movie The Graduate has left a lasting legacy and remains one of the most recognized lines in film history. The film, released in 1967 and directed by Mike Nichols, starred Dustin Hoffman as Benjamin Braddock and Anne Bancroft as Mrs. Robinson.
The Graduate was a critical and commercial success, earning multiple Academy Award nominations and winning one for Best Director. The film’s portrayal of a young man’s disillusionment with the American Dream and his affair with an older woman resonated with audiences, making it a cultural phenomenon of its time.
The line “Are you trying to seduce me?” is spoken by Benjamin Braddock in a pivotal scene where Mrs. Robinson tries to initiate a sexual encounter with him. The line captures the mix of confusion, humor, and vulnerability that Benjamin feels in this moment. It has since been quoted and referenced in countless other films, television shows, and pop culture mediums.
The popularity of The Graduate and its famous quote has endured over the years, making it a significant part of cinematic history. Its exploration of complex themes and its groundbreaking use of music, including the iconic Simon & Garfunkel soundtrack, have solidified its place as a classic film.
Even today, more than fifty years after its release, The Graduate continues to be studied and analyzed for its social commentary and its impact on American cinema. The quote “Are you trying to seduce me?” remains a memorable and beloved line that represents the film’s exploration of desire, identity, and the choices we make.
Question and answer:
What is the quote “Are you trying to seduce me?” from?
The quote “Are you trying to seduce me?” is from the movie “The Graduate” released in 1967.
Who says the quote “Are you trying to seduce me?”?
The quote “Are you trying to seduce me?” is said by the character Benjamin Braddock, played by Dustin Hoffman, in the movie “The Graduate”.
What is the context of the quote “Are you trying to seduce me?”?
The quote “Are you trying to seduce me?” is said by Benjamin Braddock in response to Mrs. Robinson’s advances towards him. Mrs. Robinson, played by Anne Bancroft, had been trying to initiate an affair with Benjamin throughout the movie.
Why is the quote “Are you trying to seduce me?” so popular?
The quote “Are you trying to seduce me?” has gained popularity due to its iconic status in the movie “The Graduate”. The way it is delivered by Dustin Hoffman’s character, Benjamin Braddock, and the context in which it is said, has made it a memorable line in cinema history.
What impact did the quote “Are you trying to seduce me?” have on the movie “The Graduate”?
The quote “Are you trying to seduce me?” is one of the most memorable lines from the movie “The Graduate”. It has become a defining moment in the film and is often referenced and parodied in popular culture. It showcases the awkwardness and confusion of Benjamin Braddock’s character and adds to the overall themes of the movie.
How does the quote “Are you trying to seduce me?” reflect the themes of “The Graduate”?
The quote “Are you trying to seduce me?” reflects the themes of temptation, confusion, and the struggle for identity that are explored in the movie “The Graduate”. It highlights Benjamin Braddock’s internal conflict and his resistance to Mrs. Robinson’s advances, as he grapples with his own desires and societal expectations.