The Unlikely Wisdom of Love.
(PHOTO: Harold & Maude pureblog)
Harold & Maude changed my life. I was sixteen when I first saw this 1971 film. For those who haven’t, Harold is young, death-obsessed, cynical, unhappy; Maude is youthful, open-hearted, child-like, inquisitive and full of joy. Their relationship is a torch song defense for the absurdity and abstraction of love.
Love doesn’t always make sense. It almost never holds reason. It can’t be measured or calibrated. Harold & Maude fight with eccentric will and charm to build their life together. They fight logic, society, even each other.
In the end, in spite of every obstacle, Harold realizes he loves Maude and that Maude loves Harold. I fight too, and I enjoy every tear, every explosion, and every last lost weekend.
Ho-hum.
