In a review of 'Harold and Maude' that I came across recently, the reviewer writes that this film "has something to offend almost everyone." I don't quite see this. I am not actually offended by anything in the movie. How about you? Did you find anything offensive while watching it?
Anyone offended by this film should consider doing the world a favor and off themselves.
This statement offends me. Guccipix thinks appreciating a movie or movie is a life or death proposition. I get the impression he wouldn't mind helping the people he hates commit their suicide. Maybe add a little lead poisoning...
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i never found anything offensive in any time through my life i've been viewing this film, and that i find reassuring. we take life too seriously too many times, and i like to think of this movie as a reminder of that.
yes there are gross offenses in life, and when they happen we should rise up with forks pitched and torches lit, but a movie should inspire, cause one to escape, to reflect, to think- anything but offend. if anything, anytime you feel you are offended while watching a film, stop and think why you are offended and if you should just lighten up and enjoy lol
Nothing about this film is offensive. Death as an obsession is quite normal. As for the love story itself, well, unless it's a minor with an older person, age is nothing but a number.
By 1971 standards, Harold and Maude was probably very shocking in terms of its dark humor and subject matter. That's one of the reasons it became one of first true "cult" films--people like me who loved it really loved it and have seen it many times, while others have found it to be in exceedingly poor taste. I recall reading about how this movie played for MONTHS at some theaters (I'm guessing in college towns). Considering all the dark comedies that been made since H&M (Heathers, Barton Fink, Bad Santa, Network, Fargo, Fight Club...), I'm guessing most people seeing it today for the first time will wonder why people once found it so offensive. It remains a unique experience, and when you see (spoiler alert) the numbers tattooed on Maude's hand near the end (showing she was a concentration camp survivor), her previous actions begin to make sense.
I saw it in 1971 when I was in my late teens. It was certainly dark, and at time hilarious, but I don't remember anyone at that time being offended. My granny might not have got the humor, but she just would have dismissed it as too silly.