Review of Harold and Maude (1971) by Kevin D — 22 Jun 2010
You wouldn't think that this movie is to Fight Club as Dark City is to The Matrix, but it is. Fight Club stole a lot of things from this cult classic. Harold and Maude is an existential film that sometimes uses Kafka-ian humor.
It mostly serves as a big eff you to the time of its release (hippie movement and Vietnam). Harold, played by Bud Cort, feels out of place in his generation and he's a depressed individual. He hates how his mother controls his life and he has a strange obsession with death.
He meets Maude, played by Ruth Gordon, Marla Singer style. They form an unusual bond as she teaches him about her philosophy about life: in Layman's terms, life should have no morals and things should be performed only if they benefit one's self.
It's like a blend of objectivism and nihilism. The movie must seem very philosophical based on my description of it, and it is, but it has its fair share of funny and humorously over the top moments.
At the heart of the movie is the relationship between Harold and Maude which is a joy to watch as it evolves. This is a nice little movie that has a little more meaning in it than one would think.
This review of Harold and Maude (1971) was written by Kevin D on 22 Jun 2010.
Harold and Maude has generally received very positive reviews.
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