Watch Harold & Maude

Harold & Maude is a 1971 American romantic black comedy directed by Hal Ashby and written by Colin Higgins. It stars Bud Cort as Harold, a young man fascinated with death, and Ruth Gordon as Maude, an eccentric 79-year-old woman who teaches him about the joys of life. Harold is a young man from a wealthy family who spends his days attending funerals and staging elaborate fake suicides for the shock value. He is aimless and bored with life, and his mother sets up dates with young women in an attempt to get him to settle down. However, Harold is not interested in any of them, and instead begins attending the funerals of strangers to keep himself occupied.

One day, Harold meets Maude at a funeral, and they strike up an unlikely friendship. Maude is a free spirit who loves life and takes pleasure in the small things. She teaches Harold to embrace life and enjoy the simple pleasures, such as planting trees, playing music, and just being alive. As they spend more time together, their friendship deepens into a romantic relationship, despite the 50-year age difference between them.

Harold & Maude is a poignant and funny film that explores themes of life, death, and human connection. It is a celebration of life and the joys of living, despite the inevitability of death. The film was controversial upon its release, as it challenged societal taboos surrounding age, death, and unconventional relationships. However, it has since become a cult classic and is widely regarded as a masterpiece of American cinema.

The film is beautifully shot, with a distinct 70s aesthetic that adds to its appeal. The cinematography is often dreamlike, with imaginative camera work that captures the quirkiness of the characters and their world. The soundtrack is also noteworthy, featuring an eclectic mix of folk, rock, and classical music that perfectly complements the film's themes.

Bud Cort delivers a standout performance as Harold, perfectly capturing the character's dark sense of humor and melancholy outlook on life. Ruth Gordon is equally impressive as Maude, infusing the character with warmth, wisdom, and a contagious zest for life. Their chemistry is palpable and makes their unconventional relationship all the more believable.

Harold & Maude is a film that defies categorization, combining elements of comedy, drama, and romance to create a truly unique cinematic experience. It is a film that will make you laugh, cry, and celebrate the beauty of life. It is a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, and is a must-see for any cinema lover.

Harold & Maude is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 56 minutes.