Review of Harold and Maude (1971) by Richard D — 11 Nov 2015
I'm less enamoured with this this film than I used to be, which isn't to say that I don't like it so much as to say I no longer love it. I like Ruth Gordon, and I'm very fond of her performance in the film.
It's Maude that I have a problem with. The idea of a wacky, exuberant free spirit woman bringing new life to a guy with emotional issues is hardly original ... and wasn't in 1971. There were dozens of movies made around this same theme at the time.
The idea of the man being young and the woman being old was certainly original. but that's really where the originality stops. Characters like Maude tend to confuse self-centered energy with a kid of life spirit, and she plays that way to me.
I don't believe that she ever really stops thinking about herself long enough to truly care about Harold, and the ending really confirms that feeling for me.
This review of Harold and Maude (1971) was written by Richard D on 11 Nov 2015.
Harold and Maude has generally received very positive reviews.
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