Review of Harold and Maude (1971) by Michael C — 16 Nov 2012

I have a soft spot for bizarre romantic comedy, and ageism is routinely held up as odd in relationships when there is even a 10 year gap, so a gap of 60 years is certainly peculiar. But this movie sells it perfectly; the love here feels real, and it is held together by two great performances; Bud Cort is terrific as the morbidly amusing young man, and Ruth Gordon absolutely should have received Oscar notice as the free spirit Maude.

This movie is filmed in a really beautiful way, and I like the fact that Cort's character is so young and is repulsed by life, while Maude is near the end of her own life and yet embraces the ideas and concepts of life with joy and excitement.

Hal Ashby may have never developed a singular style, but the fact that he consistently made terrific, character driven stories should be acknowledged as outstanding. This also may be the most heartwarming and optimistic black comedy I've ever seen.