Harold And Maude

Here is another film that I’ve been chasing for years. And I guess it was for good reason too, since it is a rather peculiar little film. HAROLD AND MAUDE follows a young boy who doesn’t seem to fit in in the normal world. He spends his time setting up fake suicides and purposely fully trying to make his mother find him in these great situations. His mother also tries to set Harold up on these dates with random girls from the city and Harold’s whole goal is to disturb them and drive them off as fast as possible. Then Harold meets Maude, who is an elderly lady that shares his same kind of off-normal flare for life – a match made in heaven.

Harold And Maude Trailer

The opening shot in this film sets the entire tone. At first you’re so confused and blown away, and then it takes an extreme turn when the mother walks in. So excellently set up. The film is the standard love knows no bounds / boundaries and conquers all. The scene where the pastor is trying to convince Harold that he cannot have relations with that “elderly” lady is really fun to watch. The Cat Stevens musical score throughout is also a very nice touch. It creates this surreal and very whimsical tone for the film. Although all I could do was think about those stupid car commercials that used that song – “if you want to sing out, sing out. If you want to be free, be free…” You know the one.

The ending again was another moment where at least for me the audience was in complete surprise and disbelief. They got me again. I guess that’s the perfect way to end the film… the exact way it began.

Rating: 7.5/10

RT: 84%