Movie Review Friday -- Harold and Maude
Escape to the movies with one of our Movie Review Friday selections. Each week, we review a film with an environmental or socially responsible theme that’s currently in theaters or available on DVD. Seen a good eco-flick lately? Send us a review of 100 or fewer words and look for your review in the next Movie Friday!
Harold and Maude (1971)
Available on DVD.
If you're already familiar with this cult-classic black comedy, you know that it's about a death-obsessed 20-something rich kid named Harold and a life- and freedom-loving woman named Maude who's on the brink of her 80th birthday. They meet at a funeral and the fun starts there, along with some profound philosophy.
During a notable nature moment, we hear Maude's simple belief that death is part of the circle of life, which explains her frequent attendance at funerals. The two are driving through town when Maude spies a dying tree and informs Harold that it's suffocating because of the smog. They transplant the tree in the woods, and as they're standing in the mottled forest light, Maude says, "Well, farewell little tree. Grow up tall, and change, and fall to replenish the earth. Isn't it wonderful, Harold? All around us -- living things!"
--Jenny Coyle
Harold & Maude is one of my all-time favorite movies. I have seen it dozens of times in my life. As strong a performance Ruth Gordon gives as Maude, I also love watching Vivian Pickes as Harold's wealthy and very-much-in-a-world-of-her-own mother. And it is delightful to see each of the 3 blind dates she arranges for Harold.
I cannot think of any movie I know that is like this, but if you liked this, see 'Shirley Valentine'.
Posted by: John W Beck | November 21, 2008 at 11:23 AM
John -- I'm with ya. Harold and Maude is my all-time fave movie, and I'd say "Shirley Valentine" is in the top 5. They're both fun (and funny) and enjoyable while being smartly written and philosophical. I've always said Maude is my role model, but I'm thinking Shirley is, too....
Posted by: TiogaJenny | November 21, 2008 at 02:05 PM
This film inspired me when it first came out, and has been my favorite since. My goal is to live to the fullest until I move on to the next great adventure, if there is one. I've known people similar to Harold before he learns from Maude. One can be dead while still walking and breathing. My next all time favorite film for providing laughs and tears and life lessons is the classic "The King of Hearts" (1966 French-British) with Alan Bates and Genevieve Bujold.
Posted by: Carole | November 22, 2008 at 12:16 PM
What can I say? Yes, yes, yes. Harold and Maude is an incredible vision put on film. Maude, actually, is one of my personal heroes. True, she was a work of fiction -- but not really. She's the crunchy fairy inside all of us.
Posted by: Sarah Supernova | November 23, 2008 at 08:36 PM
What can I say? Yes, yes, yes. Harold and Maude is an incredible vision put on film. Maude, actually, is one of my personal heroes. True, she was a work of fiction -- but not really. She's the crunchy fairy inside all of us.
Posted by: Sarah Supernova | November 23, 2008 at 08:36 PM
What can I say? Yes, yes, yes. Harold and Maude is an incredible vision put on film. Maude, actually, is one of my personal heroes. True, she was a work of fiction -- but not really. She's the crunchy fairy inside all of us.
Posted by: Sarah Supernova | November 23, 2008 at 08:38 PM