Review: Quirky Classic 'Harold and Maude' Gets Blu-ray Release

The term cult movie is problematic because it covers far too much. These films have a popular appeal but somehow transcend the mainstream movie. They can be critically acclaimed or panned, box office hits or bankruptcies. Some have high cultural themes; others are exploitation flicks. They have a devoted following but they are not for everyone. Nevertheless, one aspect of these films remains generally consistent; they are not immediately appreciated. Cult films achieve their status after time and reevaluation.

"Harold and Maude" was not well regarded by early critics. In fact, in some of the early reviews critics lambasted the movie. But audience filled the theaters and returned to watch the movie again and again. (One theater in Minneapolis ran it consistently for three years.) Today critical evaluation runs high and the American Film Institute named it as one of the "funniest films of all time."

Because this film is so wonderfully watchable, it is a perfect candidate for your Blu-ray collection. A newly restored and remastered Paramount Presents edition is now available with an original commentary track and a new interview. The commentary features fans and fellow filmmakers Larry Karaszewski and Cameron Crowe and the interview covers songwriter and performer Yusuf/Cat Stevens involvement with the film's music.

Part of what resonates in this coming of age story is the moment that it takes place, during the maturation of a nation, from the idealism of the 1960s to the self-involvement of the 1970s. Harold (Bud Cort) is a Me Generation young man with a death obsession. He's committed suicide at least 15 times with little to no success. (Of course, success in his mind is certainly not the termination of his life but the attention of his mother.) Then one day at a stranger's funeral, he discovers a new obsession, an older woman named Maude (Ruth Gordon) -- actually much older, she's going on 80. At once transgressive and naive, campy and philosophical, vulgar and profound, "Harold and Maude" is a love story that defies convention.

The film could have easily been terrible as bad as early critics professed it to be, but the stars alined for this one.

Director Hal Ashby assembled a perfectly pair for his unusual lovers. Gordon had a history with film comedy (as a writer and actor); her first films were released in 1915. She wrote some classic screwball comedies of the 1940s and then won an Academy Award for her unsettlingly humorous performance in "Rosemary's Baby." Cort's quiet sincerity and open face play brilliantly off of the Hollywood veteran, and their chemistry is charming.

Colin Higgin's script is goofy, really goofy, and just seem to progress from one gag to the next. Then, at the most unusual times, a moment of profound human insight will surface unexpectedly and a flat character will become complex. What was once absurd and theatrical then becomes surprisingly genuine.

The film is topped of with amazing songs provided by Yusuf/Cat Stevens and costumes and production design that are simply of their time but simply remarkable in ours. All of this contributes to a fun counter culture sensibility and revolutionary spirit.

"Harold and Maude" hit the streets on December 7, so this addictive classic is currently available for stocking stuffing and repeat watchings.