The closing song in the iconic 1967 film The Graduate is "The Sound of Silence" by the folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel.
Understanding the Iconic Soundtrack
The soundtrack of The Graduate is almost as famous as the film itself, largely due to its innovative and pervasive use of music by Simon & Garfunkel. While several of their songs are featured throughout the movie, "The Sound of Silence" holds a particularly significant place, serving as a powerful musical bookend to the narrative.
- Origin of the Song: "The Sound of Silence" was initially released in 1964 on Simon & Garfunkel's debut album, Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. However, it was a remixed version, featuring added electric instruments and drums by producer Tom Wilson in 1965, that became a massive hit single.
- Film's Influence: The song gained even greater prominence and solidified its legendary status after its inclusion in The Graduate. The film's director, Mike Nichols, strategically used Simon & Garfunkel's music to deepen the emotional and thematic layers of the story.
"The Sound of Silence" in the Film
"The Sound of Silence" is uniquely utilized within The Graduate to frame the protagonist's journey and emotional state.
- Opening Scene: The song famously opens the film as Benjamin Braddock, the freshly graduated protagonist, arrives home, setting a tone of introspection, alienation, and existential unease that permeates his character's journey.
- Closing Scene: Its powerful return at the very end of the movie provides a poignant conclusion. After Benjamin dramatically interrupts Elaine's wedding and escapes with her, the song plays over their silent bus ride. This final sequence, with "The Sound of Silence" accompanying their ambiguous expressions—a mix of triumph, uncertainty, and the profound shift in their lives—leaves the audience to ponder their future. The quiet contemplation evoked by the lyrics about communication breakdown and societal superficiality resonates deeply with the film's core themes of disillusionment and the search for meaning in a materialistic world.
Why It Resonates
The song's melancholic melody and thought-provoking lyrics provided a perfect sonic backdrop to the film's exploration of youthful angst, rebellion against societal expectations, and the feeling of being out of place. The deliberate use of "The Sound of Silence" for both the opening and closing scenes creates a compelling thematic arc, emphasizing Benjamin's transition from a naive post-graduate to a man who, despite taking a decisive action, faces an uncertain future.
Key Details of the Song's Use
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Song Title | The Sound of Silence |
| Artist | Simon & Garfunkel |
| Film Role | Opening and closing theme |
| Impact | Became synonymous with the film's mood and themes; iconic for its era |
