Dustin Hoffman has described his experience filming the 1967 classic "The Graduate" as "terrible," citing director Mike Nichols's methods as a source of anxiety and insecurity.
In an excerpt from his upcoming memoir, "Look At Me," Hoffman, 89, recalled feeling "uncomfortable" and "unworthy" during the production, which marked his breakthrough role in Hollywood. He felt the director, whom he labeled a "sadist," may have been "angry" with him or had "miscast the lead."
Hoffman expressed surprise at being cast as Benjamin Braddock, a character he felt was ill-suited for his appearance, contrasting with the "affluent, all-American kid" described in Charles Webb's novel.
He also detailed a specific scene where co-star Katharine Ross was instructed by Nichols to slap him repeatedly, resulting in 27 takes. Hoffman recounted telling Ross to avoid his ear, but that she missed a few times, leaving him dizzy. Despite the intensity of the scene, the slap was not ultimately used in the final film.
Reflecting on Nichols's behavior over the years, Hoffman came to believe the director might have been projecting his own "emotional difficulties and self-loathing" onto the character of Benjamin, with Hoffman serving as a stand-in for those struggles.
Mike Nichols died in 2014. "The Graduate" was filmed a year after Nichols gained prominence for directing "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" Hoffman's memoir is scheduled for publication on November 10, 2026.