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Harold and Maude
1971 92 min United States of America PG 12+
★7.7
Comedy, Drama, Romance
Director: Hal Ashby
Trailers
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Description
A deadpan young man obsessed with death meets an eccentric septuagenarian who teaches him to live life to the fullest.
Budget:
$1.2M
Starring
Ruth Gordon
Actor
Bud Cort
Actor
Vivian Pickles
Actor
Awards
Golden Globe 1972
— Best Actress (Comedy or Musical)
BAFTA 1973
— Best Breakthrough
Golden Globe 1972
— Best Actor (Comedy or Musical)
Key opinion
Harold and Maude is widely regarded as a provocative and touching cult classic that successfully blends black comedy with philosophical depth. While some viewers are alienated by its unconventional age-gap romance and eccentric tone, most praise the chemistry of its leads and its bold challenge to societal conformity.
| Acting | The performances by Bud Cort and Ruth Gordon provide a magnetic and natural dynamic that grounds the film's surreal narrative. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay effectively balances macabre humor with earnest, life-affirming themes, creating a unique narrative voice. | |
| Theme | The film acts as a daring critique of societal hypocrisy, encouraging viewers to reject rigid expectations in favor of personal authenticity. | |
| Score | The soundtrack polarized opinions: some found the songs vital and evocative, while others felt the musical choices were overly flashy. | |
| Accessibility | The central romance, defined by a massive age gap, is celebrated by many as a transgressive exploration of connection, while others find the premise off-putting or difficult to embrace. |