Harold and Maude

Harold and Maude, directed by Hal Ashby and released in 1971, is a unique and endearing cult classic that strays from the conventional norms of comedy and romance and continues to delight audiences with its non-traditional storytelling and peculiar charm. Starring Bud Cort, Ruth Gordon, and Vivian Pickles in pivotal roles, and with a delightful soundtrack composed by Cat Stevens, this unforgettable black comedy both entertains and challenges audiences.

The film opens with a morose and wealthy young man named Harold. Cort's haunting portrayal of Harold offers a startling glimpse into the mind of a 20-year-old obsessed with death. Harold finds amusement in staging a series of theatrical and elaborate fake suicides, a morbid preoccupation that is a cause of concern for his narcissistic and socially driven mother, played convincingly by Vivian Pickles. She is desperate for her son to lead a more conventional life, constantly attempting to pair him off with suitable bachelorettes and nudging him towards joining the military.

Harold and Maude's narrative takes a delightful turn as we are introduced to Maude, a spirited and life-loving 79-year-old woman played superbly by Ruth Gordon. The quirky and vivacious Maude is a stark contrast to Harold's dark and gloomy demeanor. She lives life to its fullest, appreciating every bit of nature, every person she meets, every opportunity to play music, and every experience she has, no matter how unimportant they might seem.

Harold and Maude meet at a funeral – a shared hobby of their attending strangers’ funerals. Maude's zestful perspective on life begins to influence the desolate Harold, and they strike an unlikely friendship, creating the core of this eccentric and heartwarming movie. Their idiosyncratic bond, brewing in a setting shrouded in death, forms the spine of the story, inviting viewers into an exploration of humanity, life, death, and unconventional relationships.

Hal Ashby presents a narrative that pushes boundaries and provokes thought, inviting the audience to question societal norms and expectations. Harold and Maude is a charming deviation from the classic Hollywood love story narrative, exploring themes of love, life, and individualism in a profoundly unique way.

Colin Higgins's script offers glimpses into life and perspectives that challenge the typical norms of society. Harold, through his repeated faked suicides and obsession with death, is a mystifying character who rejects the expectations of the bourgeoisie lifestyle. At the other end of the spectrum is Maude, who refutes the stereotype of the frail, elderly woman. Instead, she embodies the spirit of uncontainable life, her charisma and vivacity inevitably pulling Harold out of his gloomy shell.

Adding layers to the nonlinear narrative are the picturesque shot sequences and artistic montages that bind together Harold and Maude's unusual escapades. The film beautifully explores life's complexity, pain, joy, and even the humor in death. There's a sense of poetic anarchy in how the film melds whimsical absurdity and profound existential depth, showcased through Harold's interaction with his mother or his discovery of Maude's past.

The performances in Harold and Maude are captivating. Vivian Pickles captivatingly encapsulates a high-brow society woman's bewilderment at her strange son, Bud Cort explores the depths of an easily misunderstood character, and Ruth Gordon gleams with warmth, zest, and unpredictability. Together, they enter into a symbiotic relationship that lights up the film.

Hal Ashby’s Harold and Maude is not only a cult favorite but also an exploration of life and its myriad emotions. It's a tale told with delicacy, depth, humor, and above all, a beautiful vulnerability. It stitches together dark humor and tragic undertones with a thread of passion for life.

Closing with a melancholic and evocative soundtrack by Cat Stevens, Harold and Maude remain etched in memory long after it ends. It’s an eccentric exploration of life and its eventual embrace of death, intricately woven around the characters of Harold and Maude, sure to leave the audiences musing about their perspectives towards life itself. The film is a gem from the ‘70s cinema, which continues to connect with everyone who dares to live life in their own unconventional ways.