Movie #67- "Harold and Maude" (1971)

The films of the 1970s are fast becoming my favorites.  These were films that took chances, covered controversial topics, and gave us truly intriguing characters.  While "Harold and Maude" may have only received cult status, that shouldn't lessen its impact.
"Harold and Maude" is a comedy that deals mainly with death.  Harold is obsessed with it; attending funerals, driving a hearse, and staging various acts of suicide for the attention of his mother.  He is a young, rich kid, but even with all the luxuries he has at his disposal, Harold is dour individual lacking any joy or happiness.  Then he meets Maude.
As played by Ruth Gordon, Maude is a firecracker.  The fact she is approaching 80 doesn't slow her down.  She is a free spirit, living life by her own rules.  Maude first encounters Harold at a funeral, something that is also a vice for her.  Another vice... "borrowing" cars so she can get home.  Harold is drawn to her anarchic soul and soon a friendship develops, then an envelope pushing romance.
The way the subject matter is handled is the key to the movie.  It's dark and funny, full of joy and heart.  The surrounding characters are repulsed by the romance, yet you root for Harold and Maude anyway.  Even with the topic of death, the film maintains a certain sweetness to it.  The ending, which I originally thought was clear cut, has been the subject of debate.  No spoiler.
The music of Cat Stevens is sprinkled throughout the film, which does get a little tiresome at times.  However, "Harold and Maude" is another gem from the 1970s.

Rating: 9/10
Movies I've previously seen: 5
First time viewings: 62