Review of Harold and Maude (1971) by Wendie D — 20 Jun 2009

A fantastic black comedy and drama that is never overly sentimental. I imagine this stirred quite a controversy in its release in 1971, since it puts a comedic spin on suicide and age relations. The acting was perfect.

Bud Cort was the perfect little emo kid for the part, just his face alone could tell you this character was a bit demented. Ruth Gordon (The satanic next door neighbor in Rosemary's Baby) was awesome and ridiculous.

It was probably one of the best "friends in unusual places" type film I have ever seen. The cinematography was really good in some scenes and the soundtrack was all done by one person, each song fitting the tone so well.

My only problem was in one scene, they show that Gordon has a holocaust tatoo, and never develope it further, even after putting emphasis on how she has it. Like a little forgotten detail. Also, I wish we knew Harold's actual age instead of having to guess it by the situations (Im guessing 18-20), since we know Maude is 79 turning 80 very soon.

But yea, it was a great film about a young guy obsessed with death and an eccentric old woman who really knows how to live.