Although released in '71, I was quite surprised of the contemporary feeling I got while watching Harold and Maude (ex. it is unusual for a character to look directly into the camera, as if he was addressing the viewer).
The witty black humour of Harold, in opposition with the youthful, energetic and rebellious Maude gave exactly the reverse effect their age would make us suspect: a young man obsessed with death and an older woman full of life. It is not a coincidence that they meet at a funeral, but the motivation behind their strange attraction to graveyards comes from totally different places. Maude talks about the beauty of the cycle of life, while pale Harold, because of a childhood trauma, is left with this dark fascination.
Ruth Gordon is excellent and because of her very personal and charismatic portrayal of Maude, the plot, against all odds, becomes authentic. The beliefs of open-minded Maude fit right into certain nowadays trends, which is also a good reason for why this movie feels up-to-date.
I also liked the music of Cat Stevens ;).
