Jonathan Demme Introducing Harold & Maude (Part 1)

What could be better than watching Harold and Maude on the big screen? How about a funny and touching introduction by Jonathan Demme who reflected on his long term friendship with the film's late director, Hal Ashby. At one point, taking an informal survey from the crowd, Demme asked who in the audience had never seen Harold and Maude before (a significant number) and who had never seen a Hal Ashby movie before (a relatively small number). Demme flashed a typically warm smile and warned the audience that they were in for quite a treat. Thanks to the Film Society of Lincoln Center's Young Friends of Film series, we got the opportunity to see the 1971 cult classic starring Bud Cort, Ruth Gordon, Cyril Cusack, Vivian Pickles, and Tom Skerritt in a small but unforgettable role. Also intrinsic to the movie's greatness, the amazing Cat Stevens soundtrack. By the way, Paste Magazine recently published the rumor that the soundtrack will be finally available for the first time; hard to believe but apparently true. Look for it soon. 02/14/08

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• Harold
• Maude
• Jonathan
• Demme
• Walter
• Reede

[rictheis]

Thank you for posting this ... about my all-time favorite movie! I watched it once more this past week, and I remember the first time I saw this wonderful film .. it blew me away!!! Thanks again.

[aschartoff]

It's great hearing from fans. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to go!

[trippingelegantly]

"what could be better than watching Harold and Maude on the big screen?" NOTHING. I'm so jealous, it's my favorite movie of all time.

[SHRINA17]

Harold and Maude is such a great movie...so quirky but very touching! Ruth Gordon is just a fantastic actress! Love her.

[HunterMann]

Actually MOST films are best seen on the big screen. If I had to pick the thing I loathe the most of the new digital age of movie-making, I'd say it's the sad way that many people are no longer getting the true cinema experience. 1,000 hours of watching movies on DVD on small screens does not equal the magic of a single minute of real film being projected on a big screen. HM, founder Highway Cinema, and a film fest aficcionado.

[wisesatyr72]

are they gonna show the movie ??

[KatAshley2]

Oh, my God, i'm tempted to say I don't believe how anyone could actually work with this fellow, but I realize he made one of my favorite films, SILENCE of the Lambs, which featured one of the greatest "still" performances by Sir Anthony. By the end of that production, AH must have been planning his next meal! (I remember now that he made a horrible, rambling speech at the Oscars). Anyway, Harold and Maude is a gem of a film lifted on high by Cat's music.

[SHRINA17]

Bud Cort was AMAZING---you are so right. I didn't mean to leave him out because the two of them together were "perfect!"

[musicsnobtobe]

I agree. Also Bud Cort was brilliant in the movie.

[74sodapop]

T.V. Guide's best description." Movie about a young man obsessed with death and an 80 year old woman who teaches him the art of living."Couldn't have said it better.

[sillstaw]

I hate to nitpick, especially since I haven't finished the video yet... but it's not called "Let There Be Blood." (That would be a great name for a movie, though.)