Not surprisingly, Harold and Maude was a box office dud when first released. Paramount didn't know how to market the film, which lovingly depicts a romance between a withdrawn, death-obsessed young man and a free-spirited woman sixty years his senior. The movie eventually found a cult audience among college students, with some art theaters showing the film weekly for years.
The relationship between Harold (Bud Cort) and Maude (Ruth Gordon) is surprisingly natural and affecting. That was primarily due to the direction and casting, with both Cort and Gordon excellent in their roles. Maude's character is deepened through hints that she has seen tragedy and suffering at times during her long life, which she has overcome with time and her optimistic nature.
Another source of pleasure comes from Harold's wealthy socialite mother (Vivian Pickles), who is embarrassed rather than shocked by Harold's mock suicide attempts. She cluelessly arranges blind dates for Harold, who then tries to drive them away with his bizarre, faux-suicidal behavior. These scenes are funny, because deep down we would all like to rebel at time against social obligations that have been imposed on us by others.
The black humor doesn't always work, however. One of the supporting characters is Harold's Uncle Victor (Charles Tyner). Victor only has one arm, the other presumably lost in battle. Victor's flimsy metal replacement arm is fond of rigid salutes, while Victor himself is full of bluster about the glory of war.
The anti-military message fits the film's themes of nonconformity and social rebellion. And the film was made following the Kent State massacre, and during the much hated Vietnam War. Still, mocking a U.S. veteran who was maimed while serving his country seems excessive. Similarly ineffective but less objectionable scenes ridicule other authority figures, such as a policeman (Tom Skerritt), a psychiatrist (G. Wood), and a priest (Eric Christmas).
Also, I'm not sure about some of Maude's eccentricities. Her bizarre art collection is very entertaining. However, the same people who applaud her unconventional spirit probably would feel otherwise had it been their car that she had stolen, or if her reckless driving had caused an injury. Personally, I would like Maude to let me know whenever she plans on driving, so that I can stay off the road (and the sidewalk) for the duration.
Maude's philosophies about celebrating life also seem to be at odds with her own actions. But she is an engaging character. Ruth Gordon spent decades as an actress and screenwriter before becoming a star with her breakthrough role in Rosemary's Baby. Another recommended film in which Gordon plays her trademarked vivacious, 'crazy' old lady is My Bodyguard.
The soundtrack has many songs by early 1970s pop folkie Cat Stevens. My favorite among these is "Trouble". Stevens' liberal, childlike philosophies suit the film, but may be annoying for those not lacking in testosterone. (66/100)
In the days before home video when access to anything but first-run Hollywood movies was limited to repertory houses and college film societies Hal As...More at Family Video
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