-NO SPOILERS!
The combination of genres used to describe Julie Taymor's new movie, "Across the Universe," [view the trailer] may be the main reason people won't go see it. I'd say it's a two-hour long, psychedelic, romantic, musical war protest set to covers of Beatles' classics.
But please, don't let that dissuade you!
Taking on anything related to The Beatles is weighty risk, I mean, it's The Beatles. But "Across the Universe" impressively weaves a hodgepodge of clever Beatles arrangements and references throughout a moving war exposition and tangled love story. Obviously, a number of the movie's players are named after notable song characters--Jude, Lucy, Mr. Kite, Prudence, etc.--but people with mild to above average Beatles knowledge will appreciate some of the less apparent references. Skeptics of the movie's ambition may even be surprised at how much it delivers in this area.
Jude, a dockboy from Liverpool, finds himself in New York City falling in love amidst the rock n' roll/civil rights/Vietnam War era of the 1960s. The scenes depicting the time are very moving, particularly the "Let it Be" scene set during the Detroit riots of 1967.
The actors and their voices are brilliant, as is the aesthetic value of the film. The "I Am the Walrus" scene (led by U2 frontman Bono as Dr. Robert) made me think, Wow, now I know what it's like to be on acid. Seriously. Some of the scenes are so stunningly beautiful that if 15 minutes into the movie you've had enough of the singing, at least you'll be able to appreciate its cinematic value.
But please, don't let that dissuade you!
Taking on anything related to The Beatles is weighty risk, I mean, it's The Beatles. But "Across the Universe" impressively weaves a hodgepodge of clever Beatles arrangements and references throughout a moving war exposition and tangled love story. Obviously, a number of the movie's players are named after notable song characters--Jude, Lucy, Mr. Kite, Prudence, etc.--but people with mild to above average Beatles knowledge will appreciate some of the less apparent references. Skeptics of the movie's ambition may even be surprised at how much it delivers in this area.
Jude, a dockboy from Liverpool, finds himself in New York City falling in love amidst the rock n' roll/civil rights/Vietnam War era of the 1960s. The scenes depicting the time are very moving, particularly the "Let it Be" scene set during the Detroit riots of 1967.
The actors and their voices are brilliant, as is the aesthetic value of the film. The "I Am the Walrus" scene (led by U2 frontman Bono as Dr. Robert) made me think, Wow, now I know what it's like to be on acid. Seriously. Some of the scenes are so stunningly beautiful that if 15 minutes into the movie you've had enough of the singing, at least you'll be able to appreciate its cinematic value.
What's also interesting is the how similar the organization of the movie was to the path The Beatles took in their music, i.e. the beginning of the movie is filled with sunshine and happiness ("I Want to Hold Your Hand"), then the plot takes on a darker disposition, coupled with completely doped-out scenes and war commentary.
Though the movie never got boring, it wasn't perfect. The end seemed to drag, leading viewers to believe each scene change could potentially be the grand finale, and probably wishing it would be. There were a few unnecessary scenes, and while I'm always thrilled when Eddie Izzard makes a guest appearance, I didn't need the Mr. Kite scene to understand that the crew was on drugs.
As hard as I've tried to describe this movie, it is beyond my realm of analysis. To me, this movie was more about feelings, guided by legendary music and beautiful imagery. Open your mind and go see it.
As hard as I've tried to describe this movie, it is beyond my realm of analysis. To me, this movie was more about feelings, guided by legendary music and beautiful imagery. Open your mind and go see it.
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1 comment:
You are so talented. Not only a great writer, but a great movie critic as well! You have me convinced to go see it now.
<3,
RAD
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