One of the most unusual American comedies of all time. Harold is a depressed, death-obsessed 20-year-old who spends his time attending funerals and trying (and failing) to commit suicide. At one funeral he meets lively septuagenarian Maude, who introduces a little zest into his life. Openly exploring themes of suicide, love, death, and even life with a fresh perspective, this is an eccentric, charming, strange cult classic.
I first encountered this quirky black comedy many years ago and have
remained an ardent fan ever since, it would certainly rate at the very top of my 10 most favou... more >
I first encountered this quirky black comedy many years ago and have
remained an ardent fan ever since, it would certainly rate at the very top of my 10 most favourite films...
The story centres around the meeting of minds between two outwardly very different characters, Harold, the teenage son of a domineering and loveless wealthy society mother, and the octogenarian Maude, an eccentric lady he meets at one of the many funerals he likes to attend as a pastime.
Maude is possessed of an utterly compelling joie de vivre which attracts and fascinates Harold who up to that point has not really properly lived his life, preferring to spend his time (when not at funerals) faking his own death in an attempt to elicit some proper maternal reaction from his mother.
They begin a love affair which is ultimately doomed by virtue of the
fact that Maude only has a few days to live, as she has decided that her 80th birthday will be her last day on earth, however she leaves Harold a changed man, for the better.
The film is heightened by the inclusion of appropriate soundtrack songs
from Cat Stevens, and the best looking custom sports car hearse that has ever existed.
It also has some classic lines, such as Harold's response to his
psychiatrist's question as to whether his faked suicides have all been for his mother's benefit..."No, I would NOT say benefit" and Maude's ticking off of a motorcycle cop that he shouldn't be so officious as it makes him seem ridiculous... "that's the curse of a government job".
