"Is there anybody going to listen to my story, all about a girl who came to stay?" This line, from the song “Girl”, marks the beginning of Across the Universe, a musical adventure into the past. Across the Universe is a story of love, war, peace, & friendship. Although set in the 60's, many of the issues presented in this film are still relevant in society today. This musical is set to many of the songs in the extensive Beatles library. The actors sing these songs & sometimes alter the tone and pace to reflect their feelings. Some of the songs covered are, “Blackbird”, “All My Loving”, “I Want to Hold Your Hand”, “Hey Jude”, & the song that started it all –“Across the Universe”.
The story involves a dockworker from Liverpool named Jude, (played by Jim Sturgess) traveling to America to meet his estranged father. After arriving stateside, Jude befriends Max, (Joe Anderson) a college dropout, and the two become best friends. Soon after this Jude is introduced to Max's sister Lucy, (Evan Rachel Wood) and much to their surprise, they fall in love. They all share an apartment in New York with their musician friends Sadie, (Dana Fuchs) and Jo-Jo, (Martin Luther). Then, Max gets drafted to serve in Vietnam, Jude and Lucy join the peace movement, and their lives are turned around as the bonds that held them together are torn apart. They are taken “across the universe” in a journey to discover themselves & each other during this trying time in American history.
The co-writer of the story and director, Julie Taymor, is the award winning director/choreographer from Broadway's production of The Lion King. And it certainly shows. The dancing & singing is captivating and moving, while the visual effects are vivid and stunning. In many of the scenes, I felt like I was either inside a kaleidoscope or on an acid trip. In the scene where they are all on Doctor Robert’s bus is just one of the many that gave me this trippy feeling. It was really a spectacular effect. This wonderful movie was deservingly nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture –musical or comedy in 2008.
This film, full of heartfelt ballads, wonderful musical numbers, & incredible acting, is perfect for Beatles fanatics & non-fanatics alike. You’ll laugh, cry, & maybe even burst out in a Beatles sing along. I’ve realized that as a teenager, it can be difficult to really understand that era & style of music. But Across the Universe has helped me to appreciate & really love the Beatles. There is a scene where Jude and Lucy are singing as they embrace each other in an underwater dance. I am still amazed as to how they pulled this scene off. It looked so real, as if they were underwater, yet they were singing, dancing, & breathing. This is definitely a movie you could watch over & over & you’d never get tired of it!
