Throughout the film’s entirety, The Graduate leaves audiences with an inherent sense of lack of direction. Ben questions whether he should accept Mrs. Robinson’s invitation for him to sleep with her. He is confused if he should pursue Elaine against the wishes of Mrs. Robinson. When Ben and Elaine leave the church, this inkling of uncertainty becomes clear after he crashes her wedding. As they sit on the bus, the shot shows a sweaty, dirty Ben and Elaine in her wedding dress. After a few seconds, a Simon and Garfunkel song comes on. The audience can see Ben’s ecstatic smile diminish to an uncomfortable, almost lost look. Soon after, Elaine’s smile fades as well. These evolving expressions convey the contemplation of what just occurred. The
