I had my first girlfriend in high school – she was that first love, you know? I remember her family went on vacation and I was like: "You're actually gonna take her away? For two weeks?" Jenny was her name. I was 14.
That week she was gone, I went to a new movie theatre they'd built in my hometown. The Graduate was playing and I don't know why but I chose it.
I must have gone back five times in a week. Every day my mother asked: "What are you gonna do today?" And I'd be like: "Ma, I dunno!" – before hopping on my bike and ripping myself up to the Holiday Twin theatres so I could see The Graduate again.
I wasn't a film buff or anything, but I was so blown away by the power of this love story. It was probably being young, heartbroken, but wow – the film had such hope to it. Ben, Dustin Hoffman's character, just couldn't let love go. If love is that true and that strong, you don't have to let it go. Anything you care about, don't let it go.
Did my relationship with Jenny last? Nah. I graduated from high school and went to college; that was it. It's funny. I was home a few months ago and went back to the old bar in my hometown. Who walked in the door? Her husband. I always knew he was in love with her when we were together. When I left town and never came back, she married him. He's great, she's great, we all talk maybe every seven or eight years.
But The Graduate? I watch it every year. More sometimes. If I'm flipping around channels on the sofa and land on it I'm gonna stay up. I don't care how late it is, I will watch it to the end – because this is close to the perfect movie.
Actor William Fichtner's latest film, Drive Angry 3D, is in cinemas 25 February
