Chelsea Cloninger

Harold and Maude (1971) – Harold and Maude, starring Bud Cort as 17year-old Harold and Ruth Gordon as 79 year-old Maude, turns what could be thought of as a disturbing and somewhat disgusting storyline into an engaging and touching tale. At first glance this film seems to be a love story between two of the most unlikely people, but as the film develops, one realizes these characters must be together; they need each other. The relationship between these two unique personalities is charming because they have so much to learn from each other.

The film starts by examining Harold, the young, wealthy, bored son of a single, busy, serious mother. His mother’s vacant reactions to her son’s dark obsession with death and theatrical displays of suicide give one an idea about their empty relationship and, although very humorous, seem to show that each are simply ‘putting up’ with the other. Harold’s mother would prefer to see her son drive fancy cars, marry a sweet, pretty girl and join the military. Harold would prefer to drive his hertz, scare off sweet, pretty girls and visit cemeteries and funerals.

This is what brings him to meeting Maude. She, too, enjoys crashing funerals and spending time in cemeteries, but she has different reasons. Rather than being obsessed with death, she is there to celebrate life. Her positive outlook on the world and people is uplifting and genuine. She teaches Harold that life needs to contain new experiences, saying, “everyone has the right to make an ass out of themselves – Can’t let the world judge you too much.” The more adventures they have together, whether stealing cars, replanting trees, making music or doing somersaults, they learn from each other and discover more about life, love and understanding.