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Hoffman: 'The Graduate' shoot was a 'terrible experience'
2 Nov
Summary
- Hoffman felt unworthy and anxious during the filming of 'The Graduate.'
- Director Mike Nichols' on-set irritability caused Hoffman distress.
- Hoffman suffered a punctured eardrum during filming.
Dustin Hoffman has described his experience filming the iconic 1967 movie 'The Graduate' as profoundly difficult. In a recent essay, the acclaimed actor shared that he felt "unworthy" and deeply anxious throughout the production, despite landing a leading role in a film by director Mike Nichols.
Hoffman's insecurities were exacerbated by his perception of being miscast as the "ultimate Wasp" character, Benjamin Braddock. He also noted director Mike Nichols' frequent irritability on set, which he found "shocking and destabilizing," leading him to believe he might be fired.
The filming process included intensely demanding scenes, such as one where Hoffman endured twenty-seven takes of being slapped by co-star Katharine Ross. This, combined with an underwater sequence, led to a punctured eardrum, showcasing the physical and emotional toll the production took on him.
