By Emma Dawson
Hal Ashby’s 1971 film Harold and Maude is the perfect example of successful dark humor, leaving viewers somewhat uncomfortable at their acceptance of the kind of comedy it presents. Harold and Maude offers a twist on both comedy and romance that has inspired its cult-following and kept it relevant even 40 years after its release.
Why did I pick Harold and Maude for my first forgotten gem? Simple. Not only will the film have you laughing (somewhat guiltily) the entire time, but it will push the limits of the comedy that you are familiar with. In the end, the message is an unforgettable one, offering a rare and resolute honesty in a controversially unique way.
Bud Cort and Ruth Gordon star as polar opposite characters attracted by their similar interest in death. Cort, who plays Harold, is a teenager who has modified his car to look like a hearse; he attends funerals in his free time and takes pleasure in putting on dramatized—yet shockingly realistic—fake suicides. Harold’s awkward disposition and quiet rejection of social norms is played perfectly by Cort, making him relatable despite his weirdness. Gordon as Maude is an even better match: at 79-years-old, Maude remains the most youthful, carefree and spirited character, and her insanity is a brighter spot in the film that keeps it upbeat and balances out the otherwise grim theme.
Cat Stevens’ soundtrack for the movie completes the film by giving the tone some folk-y warmth, and the banjo version of “If You Want to Sing Out, Sing Out” will undoubtedly stick with you for days.
Harold and Maude is able to laugh at death while actively making a persuasive argument for a greater appreciation of life. It is edgy enough to ignore its viewers’ sensitivity; the film does not hold back, despite knowing that many viewers will be offended or slightly disgusted. Ignoring the superficiality of romance that has become so commonly accepted, this movie forces us to question what really draws people together, presenting something bizarre and unsettling, yet achingly true.
