The World & Across the Universe
Posted at 08:20, 2007-Oct-16 in Movie Madness
“What’s with kids listening to music before their time?” This is a question many adults ask about the young crowd nowadays and it is also one that my friend’s father has asked me. I am constantly mentally making a list of movies that my friend should go see simply because of the fact that she never does. So after seeing Across the Universe, I find myself at her house simply raving about the movie which uses music from The Beatles nonetheless.
Her father is right. It’s been decades since Beatlemania but those fans have had children who have children. Then not surprisingly, those children have children who also love the cherished music created by Paul, John, George, and Ringo. Yes, there are many covers – perhaps too many covers – of Beatles songs today but it is the familiar melody line and lyrics of each song that keep the music alive. The song may have a different beat or a tempo but once you hear a familiar riff or a line you have heard before, whatever song it may be it has its original roots.
So when Across the Universe, the film, was released in a theater near me (and it wasn’t very near at first) I was very curious to see how the musical had an effect on myself as well as other Beatles fans. Directed by Julie Taymor and written by both Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, one has the right to be a skeptic about this film before they see it. Let's see, hippies, politics, love... It's the movie, Hair. I, personally, hoped that this wasn’t another stereotypical hippie and politics film.
My hopes for this movie to be a great musical movie were pleasantly surpassed. The story starts in the early 1960’s and introduces the viewers to a young man named Jude (Jim Sturgess) who moves from his hometown, none other than
The music in this movie is produced and covered in many interesting ways. “I Want To Hold Your Hand” becomes a slow ballad sung by a lesbian cheerleader. “I’ve Just Seen A Face” is sped up and sung in a multi-colored scene that takes place at the bowling alley. Yes, these are young people singing covers but it is all executed in a very fresh and appealing manner. Sturgess’ voice is reminiscent of Ewan McGregor’s from Moulin Rouge, Anderson’s musical talent is equivalent to his charming good looks and Wood takes her role to another level as a young Hollywood actress especially when she sings “If I Fall” while she looks at Sturgess’ character (and makes out with him) from across the room.
It’s also nice to see familiar faces. Bono makes a cameo as he sings “I Am the Walrus,” but talks with a more than good southern accent and balances it with such a drugged up persona that there will be hilarious rounds of Oscar talks. However, my favorite surprise was Joe Cocker who appeared as three different characters (a tramp, pimp and hippie) as he sang “Come Together” while JoJo makes his entrance for the film. Other cameos viewers may love are Eddie Izzard in the most bizarre but appropriate way possible and Selma Hayek being slinky and sexy as usual.
Two main complaints about this movie as a musical are the following: 1) This is degrading the integrity of The Beatles. I couldn’t disagree more with this. They say that ultimate admiration is found in imitation. This movie is a tribute to The Beatles and to love. If I do recall correctly, I own a Beatles Love collection. Taymor beautifully converges music into the battles whether it is love or with the politics and offers you a trip into other worlds with her actors. (Once you meet Bono’s character, you’ll know what I mean.) 2) The music is an excuse for a plot that isn’t there. One word response to this: Musical. It’s a MUSICAL. The songs are the strings that pull along the script. Yes, sometimes the songs are placed in the plot in a very literal way but this is more than all right because it is a MUSICAL. Most musicals involve duets or songs that are characters’ inner thoughts and monologues. Not only do I think that this musical was put together in a very clever way from origin of the characters’ names to obvious lines that only Beatles fans can appreciate (“She came in through the bathroom window.”) but the visuals that correspond to the songs are just mind blowing. If you have never been on drugs but want to experience what it’s like, then this is the safest bet for you.
I fell in love with the voices, the characters, the story but most importantly I fell in love with the music again. Those who are just relentless and say that “nothing will ever be as good as the real thing… how could they do this?” should seriously take a breather and chill. This movie has been made, it has been seen, it has been loved, and it has served as a medium to the younger generation. So this is what I have to say to those pessimists: “Let it be.” It’s all for entertainment in the end.
- sl
Official Across the Universe website