Harold and Maude

Harold and Maude (1971)

Harold: This is real nice. Makes me want to do somersaults.

Maude: Well, why don’t you?

Harold: I’d feel stupid.

Maude: Harold, everyone has the right to make an ass out of themselves. You just can’t let the world judge you too much.

I watched this film at a weird time in my life. I am always growing, always changing, but this was a time in my life where an overwhelming amount of change, good and bad, was taking place.

The story follows the near-suicidal Harold, and the extremely eccentric Maude. The two meet at a funeral, quickly become friends, and adventure ensues. Paired with the music of Cat Stevens/Yusuf, this dark comedy quickly became a cult classic.

Despite the strange plot, this film has taught me more than I could have imagined.

Beauty can be found in the darkest of times

No matter your situation in life, there is always something strangely beautiful about being alive. Laughing with the people you love. Listening to music in your room in the late hours of the night. Having dance parties when you’re home alone. Beauty is everywhere, one just has to look.

The best way to live life is to let go and enjoy the moment

I am a worrier. I constantly try to plot out every single action I will take in the future, but it is truly impossible to do so. Sometimes the best thing to do is put your phone down and fully take in the beautiful world we live in.

Life is too short to be anyone but yourself

As seen in the quote above, this film makes you fall in love with Maude, who is undeniably herself, and Harold, who is trying to figure out who he is. As I am in my teenage years, I identify more with Harold, but I am slowly becoming Maude. Life is simply too short for me to try to pretend to be someone I’m not, and I am liking how it’s going so far.

I truly love this film. Although it is not perfect, it shows just how powerful and inspiring a piece of film can be.