Movie Review- Harold and Maude

Originally written 12/19/15

            Successful enjoyment of Harold and Maude hinges on the viewer finding the characters' relationship charming rather than creepy, much like Lars and the Real Girl. While not as creepy as Lars and the Real Girl, the romance of Harold and Maude is hardly charming. The movie also relies on the viewer having a high tolerance for Cat Stevens, as his music comprises the film's soundtrack. I am not a fan of Stevens' music, and this slowly wore down my enjoyment of the film over time. It does not help that Harold is a difficult character to get invested in; he is a moody putz who looks like a Chucky doll, and it is hard to feel any sympathy or interest in his search for love.

            I appreciate the film's audacity to be different. It is quite unlike any other movie from the 1970's, both in tone and subject matter. The offbeat vibe of the film feels more at home with the modern indie comedy. The film has a dark sense of humor that is occasionally more off-putting than funny, but it is a sense of humor wholly unlike anything else from the era. The film does have some genuinely funny parts, such as Harold's one-armed uncle and the scene where Harold's mother starts filling out a dating profile for him. Unfortunately, if you cannot get invested in the titular romance, that is as far as the laughs go.

            A comedy's ultimate goal is to produce laughter, and for me, Harold and Maude did not solicit but a few sharp exhales trying to form a chuckle. I like the look of the film, especially the cinematography and the costume design. I like the strange vibe of the film, and its unusualness. Even though Harold is a hard character to like, he and Maude have good screen chemistry. I just did not find the film funny. As a gross oversimplification, it is a romantic comedy repackaged with a gallows sense of humor. If that sounds appealing to you, it might be worth watching. Personally, I was not a fan.