The Role: Ben Braddock

Why It’s The Best: Hoffman’s first major role remains his most iconic. In a film stuffed full of timelessly cool wotsits – from that Simon and Garfunkel theme tune to Anne Bancroft as the object of Ben’s affection – Hoffman's Ben remains the naïve eye of the storm.

Iconic Moment: “Mrs Robinson, you’re trying to seduce me. Aren’t you?” Ben takes Mrs Robinson home from a party hosted by his parents. Is invited in for a drink. Then Mrs Robinson makes her intentions quite clear, as Ben fumbles about in shock.

Dustin Says: “[Director Mike] Nichols is very demanding. He took me aside one day when I was tired and probably not focusing well on the scene, looked deep inside my eyes and said, ‘You’re never going to get the chance to do this scene again as long as you live, and you’re going to see it one day up there on the screen.’”