Thursday, December 2, 2010

#287: Harold and Maude

Directed by: HAL ASHBY
1971, TSPDT Rank #415

One of the great things about video is that it can give movies that failed at the box office a chance at becoming great cult favorites. Harold and Maude is just that kind of film: an odd and hilarious comedy that can only be enjoyed by a certain group of adventurous film viewers. And it might possibly be able to convert a few over to this "group" with its unique charms. It concerns the romantic relationship between a socially inept, death-obsessed young man in his 20s and a free spirited woman in her 80s. If the thought of this "makes you want to vomit," like the disapproving priest later in the movie, then you might want to stay away. But the idea works really well, and is very convincing. The film is filled with hilarious moments, and while the plot can feel pretty uneven, the dark and unique blend of humor is consistent and irresistible. It's a hard movie to describe, but it's worth giving a watch if any of my ramblings here make it sound at all interesting.

(Rating: 8/10)

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