Keanu Reeves recently shared his profound connection to the 1971 cult classic 'Harold and Maude' during an interview for Letterboxd. The actor, known for high-octane franchises like Matrix and John Wick, identified the black comedy as one of his top cinematic favorites.
According to xataka.com.mx, Reeves' love for the film dates back to his teenage years. He recalled the visceral impact the movie had on him while sitting in a movie theater as a young man.
Reeves specifically highlighted a dark, comedic moment involving the film's protagonist. "I was a teenager and went to the movies a lot when I saw Harold and Maude. There is a scene where he removes his arm. He is in an encounter, takes out an axe, and starts hitting his arm with it. I had never laughed so much in a movie theater. It was sublime," Reeves said.
A cult classic rediscovered
Directed by Hal Ashby with a screenplay by Colin Higgins, the film initially struggled at the box office. Critics and audiences largely ignored the production upon its 1971 release, but it eventually gained a dedicated following.
As reported by xataka.com.mx, the film's reputation grew over the following decade, eventually earning it a spot as the 45th best American comedy on the American Film Institute's list of 100 greatest comedies.
Starring Bud Cort and Ruth Gordon, the story follows a wealthy young man obsessed with death and various suicide attempts. His life changes when he meets an older woman who teaches him the beauty of living through an improbable, bittersweet romance.
Reeves did not stop with comedy. The actor also listed David Lynch's 'Eraserhead,' 'Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back,' and the 1927 silent epic 'Napoléon' directed by Abel Gance as his other top cinematic picks.
