Review of Harold and Maude (1971) by Ryan C — 22 Nov 2008

This is one of those rare films about teens that actually delves deep into the psyche of a troubled teen. Maybe Harold isn't troubled (although he fakes his own suicide in extreme ways), but he's certainly not well adjusted.

But then maybe he is perfectly normal. Maybe everyone else around him are abnormal. Everyone except Maude. She may be the most derranged person Harold comes in contact with, but she understands him, and Harold, to some degree, understands Maude.

Maude balances Harold out. They're both obssesed with death (they meet at a funeral, or, rather, a wake). It's important, then, that Harold meets Maude because she gives him a reason to live. And Harold gives Maude a reason to continue on as well ... however long that will be. I don't want to ruin the ending, but it's important to remember this because, as Roger Ebert points out in his review 'Harold is death, Maude is life' ... but they reverse these roles at the very end. Maude has given Harold life, and that's why (SPOILER) Harold lets his hearse drive over the cliff. And he strolls along to his life.