(Published Feb. 28, PDI-Entertainment. To view other articles, visit my Multiply site.)
By Oliver M. Pulumbarit
Contributor
Songs, sentiments and soliloquies are stirred into Julie Taymor’s cauldron of Beatles love in the mystical movie musical “Across the Universe.” It’s everything you’d expect from “The Lion King” musical director Taymor--shimmying and visually striking artscapes that don’t sacrifice the vital human component--only this time she’s adapted the music of the world’s most popular band.
Like in her previous films “Titus” and “Frida,” Taymor masterfully weaves canvas-like imagery and emotional resonance here. In a mélange of music, portraits and words, a simple story of two young lovers (and their friends) is told captivatingly, aided by dozens of Beatles classics worked into the script. The unstable, revolutionary decade of the ‘60s is thoughtfully encapsulated, though you don’t actually see the iconic band.
“Across the Universe” may easily win over Beatles fans because a sense of familiarity it evokes. The uninitiated may find getting into it a challenge at times, but the talent (and in some cases, the genius) behind the songs is clearly evident. From love ballads to socially aware tracks, the group’s songs here provide voices that seem tailor-made for very specific periods, situations and people.
The names of the protagonists are inspired by popular and obscure names from the song catalogue as well. Jude (Jim Sturgess), a dock worker from
The music is especially flavorful; “Let It Be” is both poignant and soulful during the scenes depicting a
A number of visual tricks are utilized, like animation and the superimposing of elements. The super-trippy “Strawberry Fields Forever,” however, is an example of seeing Taymor’s vision in, well, kaleidoscope eyes. It juxtaposes impaled strawberries (a product of Jude’s artistic frustration) with blood-hued war footage, strawberry grenades and bombs. The music video excessiveness feels a tad stretched visually, but you do get over it.
The actor-singers give distinct character to the interpretations; the film’s collection of songs actually rivals the “I Am Sam” soundtrack in that it also has inspired Beatles covers you’d want to listen to repeatedly. Lucy, Jude and the gang become people you care for, even when the music overpowers the narrative sometimes. Still, Taymor’s affection for the Beatles and these lovestruck characters is obvious. She loves them (yeah, yeah, yeah), and with a love like that, you know you should be glad. And you are.
2 comments:
i loved the music. i loved the visuals. but i found the movie dragging. i would say that the saving grace of the movie is the music. i found the movie too self-indulgent, telling you that taymor is a beatle fan hehehe
don't get me wrong though. i love the beatles music and the new arrangements and am gonna get the soundtrack to this movie. i just felt that the story could have been tightened.
I see. The narrative was overwhelmed by the music and the video-esque segments. It could've been tightened, yes. But for me, I'm happy with what Taymor came up with. I didn't have problems with its pacing, thanks to the music and performances. :)
I read somewhere that there was a longer version of the movie; I dunno what parts ended up on the cutting room floor, though.
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