Review of Harold and Maude (1971) by Matthew L — 18 Nov 2009

REVISED REVIEW: Harold and Maude is a masterpiece of 70's filmmaking. This is one of the most visually expressive films ever made, taking full advantage of colors and actions to convey its message. Which is, in spite of all the political and social satire, a celebration of life.

Ironically enough, it is the characters' obsession with death which leads them to discover their reasons to live. A teenager named Harold (Bud Cort) stages elaborate fake suicides, hoping to gain attention from his negligent mother. After a time, his mother becomes desensitized to them, and he flees from home to seek solace at the funerals of strangers.

At one of the funerals he meets 79-year-old Maude, somewhat a kindred spirit though she attends the funerals to appreciate life, and not glorify death as Harold does. The two slowly but surely fall in love, and though their romance is short-lived, they each learn valuable life lessons. Interestingly, Harold's skin is pasty and corpselike, a stark contrast to the elderly Maude's colorful skintone and disposition (perfect metaphors for their respective personalities). The most important that death is not something to fear, but rather appreciate for being the force which gives life meaning.

The film doesn't wallow in darkness though, it uses the subject of death to broach subjects such as conformity, conservatism, parental neglect, and unorthodox sexual relationships. The intention is bold, but the subjects are subtley sprinkled evenly throughout the film, rather than calling attention to them.

The overall effect of the film leaves the viewer crying through his or her tears, but isn't that what life is all about anyway?