Dustin Hoffman calls filming The Graduate a terrible experience in new essay
Actor Dustin Hoffman described his time making the 1967 film The Graduate as a terrible experience in an essay published recently by The New Yorker.
Hoffman felt unworthy on set
The actor wrote that he immediately felt uncomfortable and unworthy while working with director Mike Nichols. He believed he had no right to be in the movie despite having a starring role. Hoffman stated that the production exacerbated all his insecurities from the start.
Director made him feel angry
Hoffman worried that Nichols was angry at him for doing something wrong or because of casting doubts. He felt the director realized everyone knew he was miscast as the lead character. The actor noted that his agent convinced him to screen-test for a part he did not want.
Hoffman questioned his casting choice
He explained that reading the novel made it obvious he was wrong for the role of Benjamin Braddock. Hoffman described himself as ethnic while the character was supposed to be an affluent all-American kid. He asked why anyone would cast a person who looks like him to play that specific part.
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