Across the Universe

The previews, and the director involved (Julie Taymor: who directed 'Frida' and 'Titus,' both stunning visual films), plus the added bonus of an all-Beatles soundtrack, made me curious about this film. I'm still not sure what to call it: Drama? Musical? 60's Commentary? Anti-War Film? All of the Above?

From the opening scene, and note, this film takes the (brilliant) catalogue of The Beatles and spins a story about love, war, and life, all wrapped up in a musical/almost Broadway/drama. It defies a genre, actually.

All of the songs are sung by the cast, who aren't real singers (except for Bono, who makes an appearance and sings 'I Am The Walrus' in a somewhat comical role), but still, they have good voices, and they lend a fresh sound to the songs. Seeing that these songs can be sung by anyone and with any arrangement (some of the songs' arrangements were altered for the film) only further proved to me that The Beatles (particularly John Lennon) were truly timeless, and were way ahead of their time. The melodies are always ones you want to hum and sing along to. Going along with the music are elaborately choreographed dance sequences, which give this film the feel of a play or a Broadway musical. But this isn't your mother's Broadway musical; the choreography, mixed with animation and stunning visual sequences, is more reminiscent of Pink Floyd's 'The Wall' than anything on Broadway.

The story? Jude (Jim Sturgess) comes to America from England, looking for his natural father, who he's never met. While there, he meets Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood) and falls for her. So he stays, and paints (He's an artist). Lucy's brother is drafted to Vietnam, she becomes an Anti-War Activist, and mayhem ensues. But in the end....well, that's one of the best parts, so I won't spoil that here.

I loved this movie!! The music and the visuals alone were enough to pull me in, but the story proved to be compelling and I liked the main characters, and cared about their outcome.

Recommended!