Harold and Maude 1971
Directed by
Hal Ashby
Made by
Paramount Pictures
Plot Summary
Harold is a uniquely eccentric young man whose peculiar hobbies include attending funerals and staging elaborate fake suicides. His fascination with death began after a near-fatal chemical explosion at school, leading him to concoct various dramatic scenes like hangings, drownings, and gunshots purely to provoke his mother and indulge his twisted sense of humor. Coming from a wealthy background, Harold finds himself aimlessly wrapped in his morbid antics, often performing these stunts in front of the dates his mother arranges for him, who all flee in terror. His mother, desperate to pull him away from loneliness, faces Harold’s indifference, as he has found a captivating connection with Maude.
Maude, portrayed as a vibrant 79-year-old woman, defies convention with her free-spirited lifestyle. She shuns societal judgment, creating bold sculptures, posing nude, and stealing cars—all while sharing a common interest with Harold: funerals. Their paths cross at one of these somber events, where Maude exudes a zest for life, understanding that death is merely a natural part of existence. Her approach to living is boundless, a lesson she eagerly wishes to impart to the melancholy Harold.
Despite their significant age difference, there is a magnetic attraction between them, a delicate balance of their contrasting dispositions—Maude’s optimism and Harold’s pessimism. With Maude’s encouragement, he begins to uncover the joys of life, learning to open his heart to the world’s possibilities. They relish their time together, creating memories and living in the moment. Harold is so enamored that he proposes to Maude, an idea that is met with disdain from those around them.
However, their idyllic romance faces an unforeseen challenge. On the eve of her 80th birthday, Maude reveals her plan to end her life. She intends to die on this significant milestone, and despite Harold’s attempt to change her mind, he is too late—Maude passes away in the hospital after taking an overdose. Heartbroken, Harold drives off, seemingly heading for a cliff, but when the camera shifts upward, he is seen standing there, playing the banjo that Maude gifted him. This poignant moment signifies the profound impact she had on him, teaching him to cherish life, embracing both its joys and inevitable ends.
Timeline
Harold's Near-Fatal Incident
Harold's fascination with death begins after a near-fatal chemical explosion occurs during a school science experiment. This traumatic event ignites his morbid curiosity and leads him to explore themes of mortality through elaborate stunts.
Elaborate Suicides
Following the explosion, Harold starts staging dramatic fake suicides to provoke reactions from his mother and gain attention. His peculiar antics include hanging and drowning simulations, which only serve to alienate him further from others.
Mother's Desperation
Harold's mother, taking notice of his peculiar behavior, arranges dates in an attempt to help him socialize. Unfortunately, every date ends in chaos as they flee in horror from Harold's bizarre performances.
Meeting Maude
Harold's life takes a turn when he meets the vibrant 79-year-old Maude at a funeral. Their shared fascination with funerals sparks an immediate connection, contrasting sharply with Harold's morbid outlook on life.
Maude's Free Spirit
Maude's spirited lifestyle captivates Harold, as she embraces life with a sense of boldness and defiance. Through her artistic endeavors and carefree attitude, she introduces him to the beauty of living beyond societal norms.
Growing Bond
As Harold spends time with Maude, their mutual attraction grows, balancing her optimism with his pessimism. This relationship pushes Harold to confront his view on life and death, leading him to see beyond his morbid interests.
Embracing Life
Under Maude's influence, Harold learns to appreciate the joy in life, creating new memories together. His transformation becomes evident as he begins to live in the moment, cherishing the time spent with her.
Proposal
Deeply enamored with Maude, Harold takes a leap and proposes to her, hoping to solidify their bond. However, their significant age difference leads others to react with disdain, challenging their unconventional relationship.
Maude's Birthday Revelation
On the eve of her 80th birthday, Maude shares her desire to end her life, planning to pass away on this momentous occasion. This revelation shocks Harold, who is determined to change her mind and keep her in his life.
Maude's Passing
Despite Harold's desperate attempts to reach Maude, he is tragically too late. Maude dies in the hospital from an overdose, leaving Harold heartbroken and grappling with the loss of the person who taught him to embrace life.
Heartbroken Departure
In his grief, Harold drives off, seemingly heading towards despair on a cliff. The scene paints a poignant picture of his emotional turmoil following Maude's death, as he struggles without her guidance.
Playing the Banjo
The film culminates in a powerful moment as the camera shifts from the cliff scene to Harold playing the banjo that Maude gifted him. This act signifies his transformation and the enduring impact Maude had on him.
Characters
Harold
Harold is a young man deeply enamored with the darker sides of life, often engaging in morbid behaviors to elicit reactions from others, particularly his mother. His wealth and privilege are juxtaposed with his emotional turmoil and existential inquiries. Through his journey with Maude, Harold gradually transforms from a gloomy figure to someone who learns to appreciate the vibrancy of life.
Maude
Maude is a spirited 79-year-old woman who embodies freedom and rebellion against societal norms. With a zest for life, she engages in passionate pursuits, from art to theft, and offers a refreshing perspective on death. Her influence on Harold catalyzes his transformation, teaching him the importance of living fully and embracing life's impermanence.
Setting
Time period
The film doesn't specify a particular era but reflects themes relevant to both the 1960s and 1970s, showcasing the countercultural movements of the time. It juxtaposes the traditional views of life and death against the burgeoning acceptance of alternative lifestyles, making it a timeless exploration of the human experience.
Location
Funerals
The movie traverses through a variety of settings, with funerals being a prominent backdrops where Harold and Maude connect. These social gatherings are steeped in sorrow but become the catalyst for the unexpected bond between the two characters, serving as a reminder of life's transience and the profound connections that can be formed in such somber places.
Themes
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Life and Death
The juxtaposition of life and death is central to the narrative, as Harold's fascination with funerals contrasts sharply with Maude's celebration of life. The film examines how understanding mortality can lead to a deeper appreciation of living and the moments shared. Through their relationship, both characters learn to embrace the inevitable nature of death as part of the life cycle.
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Unconventional Love
Harold and Maude's relationship defies the norms of society, emphasizing the beauty of love that transcends age and expectation. Their bond challenges conventional definitions of romance and companionship, exploring the depth of human connection in the most unexpected circumstances. This theme highlights the idea that love can flourish in the most unlikely of scenarios.
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