Introduction
This essay examines the 1971 film *Harold and Maude*, directed by Hal Ashby, through the lens of New Hollywood Cinema, also known as the American New Wave, a significant film movement of the 1960s and 1970s. The purpose of this analysis is to explore how *Harold and Maude* reflects the thematic and technical characteristics of this movement, which challenged traditional Hollywood norms by prioritising artistic expression, social commentary, and innovative storytelling. The essay addresses four key areas: the thematic elements consistent with New Hollywood Cinema, the technical elements aligning with this movement, a detailed analysis of a particularly interesting scene, and an evaluation of a noteworthy performance by one of the film’s actors. By situating *Harold and Maude* within the context of New Hollywood, this discussion aims to highlight its relevance to a transformative period in American cinema. The analysis is informed by academic sources to provide a sound understanding of both the film and the broader movement, with a focus on clear explanation and logical argumentation.
Thematic Elements and New Hollywood Cinema
The New Hollywood Cinema movement emerged as a reaction to the declining studio system and the conservative content of classical Hollywood. It was marked by a focus on realism, anti-establishment themes, and the exploration of complex, often alienated characters (King, 2002). *Harold and Maude* embodies many of these thematic elements, particularly in its rejection of societal norms and its portrayal of individuality against a backdrop of conformity. The film’s central narrative follows Harold, a young man obsessed with death, who forms an unlikely relationship with Maude, a vivacious 79-year-old woman. This unconventional romance challenges traditional ideas about love, age, and mortality, aligning with the New Hollywood tendency to subvert mainstream values.
Indeed, one of the defining themes of New Hollywood is the critique of the American Dream and the alienation of youth, often depicted through characters who feel disconnected from societal expectations (Biskind, 1998). In Harold and Maude, Harold’s staged suicides and his rejection of his mother’s attempts to integrate him into a conventional life—through arranged dates and military aspirations—mirror the disillusionment of a generation questioning authority and purpose in the post-Vietnam War era. Maude, on the other hand, represents a countercultural spirit, advocating for personal freedom and living in the moment, which resonates with the movement’s embrace of nonconformity. Thus, the story’s focus on existential questioning and resistance to societal pressures is highly relevant to New Hollywood’s thematic preoccupations, offering a critique of a materialistic and rigid society.
Technical Elements and New Hollywood Cinema
Technically, *Harold and Maude* also reflects the innovative approaches of New Hollywood Cinema, which often prioritised realism and experimentation over polished studio aesthetics. New Hollywood filmmakers frequently employed naturalistic mise-en-scène, handheld cinematography, and non-linear editing to create a more authentic and personal cinematic style (Thompson and Bordwell, 2010). In *Harold and Maude*, the mise-en-scène is notably understated, with cluttered, lived-in spaces such as Maude’s eclectic home filled with oddities and art, contrasting sharply with the sterile, orderly environment of Harold’s mansion. This visual dichotomy underscores the thematic opposition between conformity and individuality, a hallmark of New Hollywood’s emphasis on character-driven storytelling.
Cinematographically, the film utilises a mix of wide shots and intimate close-ups to capture the emotional nuances of the characters’ relationship. For instance, the use of natural lighting in outdoor scenes, such as those in the junkyard or at the cemetery, creates a raw, unpolished look that aligns with the movement’s rejection of artificial Hollywood glamour. Furthermore, the editing style in Harold and Maude often incorporates abrupt transitions and montages accompanied by Cat Stevens’ folk soundtrack, reflecting the era’s experimentation with music as a narrative device and its appeal to a younger, countercultural audience (Biskind, 1998). These technical choices are not merely stylistic but serve to reinforce the film’s New Hollywood identity by prioritising emotional authenticity and thematic depth over conventional entertainment value.
A Particularly Interesting Scene
One scene in *Harold and Maude* that stands out as particularly intriguing occurs between approximately 01:05:00 and 01:08:00 in the film’s runtime (based on standard DVD releases). In this sequence, Harold and Maude share a quiet, intimate moment at Maude’s home after she reveals her plan to end her life on her 80th birthday. The scene is compelling for several reasons, primarily due to its delicate balance of humor and tragedy, a tonal complexity characteristic of New Hollywood films. Visually, the mise-en-scène is cluttered with Maude’s eccentric possessions, creating a sense of warmth and lived experience, while the soft, dim lighting evokes a melancholic undertone.
What makes this scene especially interesting is how it encapsulates the film’s central themes of life, death, and personal agency. Maude’s calm acceptance of her decision contrasts with Harold’s growing desperation, highlighting their differing perspectives on mortality. The dialogue is sparse yet impactful, allowing the actors’ expressions and subtle gestures to convey profound emotional weight. This focus on character interiority over dramatic plot development mirrors New Hollywood’s inclination towards psychological realism and moral ambiguity (King, 2002). Additionally, the scene challenges the viewer to confront uncomfortable truths about autonomy and the inevitability of death, reinforcing the film’s countercultural stance and its rejection of sentimental resolutions typical of classical Hollywood.
Performance Analysis: Ruth Gordon as Maude
Among the performances in *Harold and Maude*, Ruth Gordon’s portrayal of Maude stands out as particularly fascinating. Gordon imbues Maude with a vibrant, uninhibited energy that defies conventional depictions of elderly characters in cinema. Her performance is captivating due to its authenticity; she embodies a woman who has lived a full, unconventional life—marked by resilience and a zest for the present—without caricature or sentimentality. Gordon’s ability to shift effortlessly between playful mischief and profound wisdom, as seen in her interactions with Harold, adds depth to the character, making Maude both a mentor and a subversive force.
What I find particularly identifiable in Gordon’s performance is her portrayal of freedom from societal judgment. Maude’s disregard for norms—whether stealing cars or attending strangers’ funerals—reflects a radical independence that is both inspiring and aspirational, especially in the context of New Hollywood’s celebration of the outsider. Gordon’s nuanced delivery, often through a mischievous grin or a knowing glance, conveys a lived experience that resonates deeply, suggesting a life of both joy and hardship. This authenticity aligns with the movement’s emphasis on realistic, complex characters over stereotypical roles (Thompson and Bordwell, 2010). Gordon’s performance thus not only elevates the film but also serves as a testament to the New Hollywood ideal of prioritising actor-driven, emotionally truthful storytelling.
Conclusion
In conclusion, *Harold and Maude* stands as a quintessential example of New Hollywood Cinema through its thematic and technical alignment with the movement’s core principles. The film’s exploration of alienation, nonconformity, and existential themes reflects the era’s critique of societal norms, while its naturalistic mise-en-scène, innovative cinematography, and editing choices underscore the movement’s departure from classical Hollywood aesthetics. The intimate scene of Maude’s revelation about her planned death encapsulates the film’s tonal and ideological complexity, while Ruth Gordon’s remarkable performance as Maude embodies the New Hollywood focus on authentic, unconventional characters. Together, these elements highlight how *Harold and Maude* captures the spirit of a transformative period in American cinema, offering both a critique of its time and a timeless meditation on life and individuality. This analysis not only deepens our understanding of the film but also illustrates the broader implications of New Hollywood as a movement that prioritised personal expression and social commentary, paving the way for future cinematic innovation.
References
- Biskind, P. (1998) Easy Riders, Raging Bulls: How the Sex-Drugs-and-Rock ‘N’ Roll Generation Saved Hollywood. Bloomsbury Publishing.
- King, G. (2002) New Hollywood Cinema: An Introduction. I.B. Tauris.
- Thompson, K. and Bordwell, D. (2010) Film History: An Introduction. 3rd ed. McGraw-Hill Education.
