Harold and Maude

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Romantic Comedy
Rating: 15
Warning: Mild Gore

I had been meaning to watch this film for many years. Regardless of how well known or unknown it is, it's a classic and a must-see. Maude is both one of the first Manic Pixie Dream Girls and a complete deconstruction of the trope.

A tale of a young man obsessed with death and an old woman obsessed with life, Harold and Maude is captivating from the opening scene. The only gore is in a few of Harold's suicides, which are less faked and more dramatic enactments.

The soundtrack, all by Cat Stevens, complements it perfectly; you'll walk away from this film with 'If You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out' happily stuck in your head. Just as the song gives a bettering message, the viewer can be bettered by Maude along with Harold. The abandon that she enjoys life with is contagious and her reckless antics with make you giggle at the very least. Watching her borrow Harold's car may even be the highlight of the film.

Likewise, the dark comedy of Harold's suicides are as funny as they are awful. The sight of his mother completely ignoring the fact that he appears to be dead, carrying on with conversation and chores as if he were simply reading a book, reflects his disinterest in the serious adult aspects of life. At the end of the film he may or may not be ready, but he certainly has a new outlook on life.

This film deserves its cult classic status, and is definitely worth at least one viewing. Even if you don't like it, you can tick it off the list.