Harold & Maude

It is apparent from the beginning of the 1971 film Harold and Maude, that our main character Harold Chasen has a preoccupation with death and suicide. As it begins, Harold is shown walking through the study, lighting a candle and then hanging himself. When his mother walks in and is unmoved by her discovery, she asks him if he thinks it’s funny, his slight smile indicates that yes, he think it’s very funny. On …

…and Maude continues to be an influential movie years later, because it’s able to connect with its audience. It conveys a simple message, but an important one to its viewer. As Maude so eloquently says it, “A lot of people enjoy being dead. But they're not dead, really. They're just... backing away from life.” Simply put, appreciate life, celebrate your differences and enjoy the time you have because there may not be a tomorrow.