I have trouble articulating how much this movie means to me, but I’ll give it a shot...
Why is a movie about a suicidal 20 year old falling in love with an eccentric old lady my favorite movie of all time? It’s because I think it captures both my fears and my dreams, and literally lays out the blueprint for how to live a vivacious and fulfilling life.
Harold feels lost and misguided, obsessed with death as it is the only place he thinks he will be loved. While he is acting independently, he does things for the reactions of others. Maude is a free spirit who brings joy everywhere she goes. She lives entirely in the moment, not caring about the consequences or reactions to her actions. I think we all have a Harold and a Maude in our own heads that are constantly dueling it out. Some days I get down on myself, trying to figure out the point of it all, and other times I lean into my Maude and experience life as it comes.
Cat Stevens’ soundtrack guides the film through these messages and moments. Not only are the songs literal perfection but they find a way to underscore the feeling of the film. His songs feel so wise, it is almost like I higher being giving advice to the characters. I literally have Cat Stevens days where he’s all I listen to.
This film is for anyone who has felt rejected or lost, or misunderstood. Harold glances at the camera once and I swear he’s looking at me. There never was or will be a film quite like this one.
If you want to sing out, sing out. And if you want to be free, be free.
I have trouble articulating how much this movie means to me, but I’ll give it a shot...
Why is a movie about a suicidal 20 year old falling in love with an eccentric old lady my favorite movie of all time? It’s because I think it captures both my fears and my dreams, and literally lays out the blueprint for how to live a vivacious and fulfilling life.
Harold feels lost and misguided, obsessed with death as it is the only place he thinks he will be loved. While he is acting independently, he does things for the reactions of others. Maude is a free spirit who brings joy everywhere she goes. She lives entirely in the moment, not caring about the consequences or reactions to her actions. I think we all have a Harold and a Maude in our own heads that are constantly dueling it out. Some days I get down on myself, trying to figure out the point of it all, and other times I lean into my Maude and experience life as it comes.
Cat Stevens’ soundtrack guides the film through these messages and moments. Not only are the songs literal perfection but they find a way to underscore the feeling of the film. His songs feel so wise, it is almost like I higher being giving advice to the characters. I literally have Cat Stevens days where he’s all I listen to.
This film is for anyone who has felt rejected or lost, or misunderstood. Harold glances at the camera once and I swear he’s looking at me. There never was or will be a film quite like this one.
If you want to sing out, sing out. And if you want to be free, be free.
