Hats Off to Hollywood: Harold and Maude
Rex: "Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." This week, Duke and I watched Harold and Maude, a romantic comedy unlike any other. Ranked #9 on AFI's Top 10 Romantic Comedies list, this 1971 film is a quirky love story between a 20-year-old young man named Harold and a spirited 79-year-old woman named Maude. It's a film that breaks all the conventional rules of romance, and yet, it works like a charm.
Duke: Oh boy, where do I even start? First of all, this ain't your typical love story. Back in my day, romantic comedies were all about boy meets girl, they fall in love, they get hitched. Simple and sweet. But here? You got a young fella who's obsessed with faking his own death, falling in love with an old lady who’s got a strange fascination with stealing cars and attending strangers' funerals. It's a wonder they even made this thing, let alone called it a comedy!
Rex: "Love is not about age, it’s about finding your soulmate." Duke, Harold and Maude was groundbreaking for its time. In the early 1970s, the world was changing rapidly—social norms were being questioned, and people were more open to exploring unconventional relationships and philosophies about life. The film’s exploration of love, mortality, and the meaning of life was quite daring, and it reflected the countercultural movements of the era. People were ready for something different, something that challenged their perceptions of love and happiness.
Duke: Different? That’s an understatement. But I gotta admit, Maude sure had a zest for life. She was always up to something wild, whether it was "borrowing" someone else’s car or uprooting a tree from the city to plant it back in the forest. I reckon there’s something to be said for living life on your own terms. Even if your terms are, well, a little out there.
Rex: "It's not the years in your life that count, but the life in your years." Maude is the epitome of living life to the fullest. She teaches Harold to embrace life, to experience the world without fear, and to find beauty in the small moments. Their relationship, though unconventional, is incredibly touching because it shows how love can transcend age, societal expectations, and even the fear of death. It’s a reminder that life is short, and we should live it with passion and purpose.
Duke: Yeah, yeah, I get it. She’s a free spirit. But I still can’t wrap my head around the whole romance angle. I mean, a 79-year-old woman and a 20-year-old kid? It’s a bit of a head-scratcher if you ask me. But maybe that’s the point. Maybe it’s about seeing things from a different perspective, even if that perspective is, well, kinda kooky.
Rex: "The heart wants what it wants." Harold and Maude challenge us to look beyond conventional definitions of love. It’s not about the ages of the people involved, but about their connection, their shared experiences, and their desire to live life authentically. The film's dark humor and unique perspective on life and death made it a cult classic, resonating with audiences who felt misunderstood or out of place in a world that demanded conformity.
Duke: Well, I still think it’s a bit of an odd duck, but I suppose it’s got its moments. That Cat Stevens soundtrack wasn’t half bad either. Real soothing, like. And I guess there’s a lesson in there somewhere about living your life the way you want to, not how others tell you to.
Rex: "To each their own," Duke. Harold and Maude is a love story for the ages, quite literally. It’s a film that encourages us to question our own lives, to seek out what truly makes us happy, and to embrace the unexpected. It's a classic in its own right, a unique gem that stands out among the romantic comedies of its time for its originality and its heartfelt message.
Duke: Alright, alright, I’ll give it that. It’s different, I’ll say that much. And maybe that’s what makes it special. So if you're in the mood for something offbeat and don’t mind a bit of weirdness in your romance, give it a whirl. Just don’t say I didn’t warn ya.
Rex: Until next time, folks, keep your hats on and your remotes ready! See you at the movies!
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About the Authors
Rex, who speaks in maxims, loves every movie and TV show, making him the perfect counterbalance to Duke. Rex is also known for rescuing an armadillo and celebrating both Christmas and Chanukah.
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