Harold and Maude
Director: Hal Ashby
Starring: Bud Cort, Ruth Gordon
Reading the premise of this movie sort of weirded me out before I saw it. This happened to be just my type of movie.
Harold is a teenager who is obsessed with death. He has no joy in his life until meeting Maude. This 80 year old woman teaches him how to live and love. Coming of age story with a twist.
This movie was hilarious, sad, joyous, and quirky. It was like the Graduate in atmosphere. This was stranger and funnier, though. Wes Anderson took many cues from this movie (music, cinematography, mood, etc.). Harold's "suicide" attempts were really funny, as were his psychiatry appointments. His character's growth was gradual and real. Maude was great and feisty. Her youthfulness really contrasted with Harold's morbidness.
My favorite parts of the movie were the cinematography and music. Both were done in a way that would become Wes Anderson's trademark. The montages and interesting camera angles were a lot of fun. All of the music was done by Cat Stevens (including "Tea for Tillerman" which is the closing credits song for Extras!). It really set the mood well. I kind of want to go buy the soundtrack now. The visuals worked so well with the music. Bravo!
This movie managed to take a plot that could easily be off putting or creepy and make something fun and life affirming. One of the best of this summer so far.
Lesson learned: Banjo makes everything better.
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