I can't do that to Harold and Maude however. I love this movie. I had the pleasure of watching this quirky little comedy in a vintage theater in Santa Monica. After the show Peter Bart and Cameron Crowe had a discussion and Q&A session. I was fortunate to buy Mr. Bart's book before the show at a book store across the street and then meet him and have him sign it. Peter Bart (for those of you that don't know he was in charge of Paramount Studios in the late 60's and early 70's. He was part of films like Godfather I & II, The Exorcist, Rosemary's Baby, Love Story, Chinatown and Harold and Maude) asked me if I was in "the business". That is like having Michael Jordan ask you if you "shoot hoops". I was totally star struck.
A little about Harold and Maude. It is a film that was way misunderstood in its time. Most critics paned the film and it did not connect with a mass audience. It has maintained and gained a large following of film fans and is now considered one of the best comedies ever and a major player in the "New Hollywood" era.
It is the story of a 17 year old boy obsessed with death, and an almost 70 year old eccentric woman who lives life to the fullest. They meet at a series of funerals and fall in love. Much to the chagrin of Harold's high society mother.
The movie is filled with a Cat Stevens soundtrack that could not be anymore perfect. It captures everything this movie is about, without being heady or melodramatic. The sequences where Harold fakes his own death in an attempt to disturb his mother are shot masterfully. This style of film making would go on to inspire many of film makers. I think it is safe to say that without Harold and Maude, Wes Anderson would not have a career. Harold and Maude was directed by Hal Ashby. I have only seen a few of his films, but so far I have liked what I saw and I plan on making my way through his entire catalog.
I saw this movie with my girlfriend. She had never seen it before. There is a big surprise at the end, and when it happened my girlfriend was so into the movie she actually put her hands in front of her mouth in shock and concern. I was really special to have someone that I care so much for react to a movie that I love so dearly in nearly the same way I did when I first watched it.
I remember when I watched it for the first time I was walking around the room talking to myself about how great the movie is. That type of response doesn't happen nearly often enough, but when it does it is very special. I had the feeling watching the movie again that I could watch this movie once a week and never grow tired of it.
Great movie, great evening. I give Harold and Maude ★★★★★.
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