In honor of Hal Ashby, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presented Harold and Maude at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Los Angeles. Sid Ganis, the president of the Academy, began the evening by honoring Ashby with several of his own words. Cameron Crowe and Peter Bart hosted the event, which was preceded by a performance by Yusuf (formerly known as Cat Stevens). A panel discussion followed the performance and included Judd Apatow, Seth Rogen, Diablo Cody, Jon Voight, Haskell Wexler and Yusuf.
Harold and Maude is both heartwarming and humorous, deserving of its recognition as a definitive classic which has since acquired a cult following. It tells the story of a morbid teenager, Harold (Bud Cort), who attempts to detach himself from his overbearing mother. Harold meets and forms a unique friendship with Maude (Ruth Gordon) as the two explore life and learn a little something about love.
Harold and Maude is a film often imitated by filmmakers trying to duplicate its dark humor within an existentialist drama. Its influence has inspired the likes of the Farrelly Brothers and Wes Anderson, as well as a handful of other writers and directors. Following the film, the audience was told to remain in their seats. Shortly thereafter, Bud Cort's name was announced as he stepped through the darkness and onto the stage.
It's hard to imagine Bud Cort standing in front of an audience who has just finished seeing Harold and Maude. In our minds, the film is timeless, and Cort is apart of such an imaginative world. Harold's relationship with Maude is both unique and full of affection - their story is both tragic and endearing. 38 years later, the relationship between Harold and Maude is still alive in our hearts and minds, as a new generation of moviegoers are introduced to their story.
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