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Amazon.co.uk Review
Something a little different to the norm, Across The Universe is, in its simplest form, a collection of Beatles songs that have been strung together into a musical. But what a musical, and ultimately, what a fascinating film too.
Across The Universe follows Jude, played by Jim Sturgess, who travels from Britain to America in the 1960s, and eventually meets Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood). The film then picks up the story of their romance, with the likes of Vietnam war protests sitting in the background, along with a strong-yet-unknown supporting cast who more than hold their own.
Across The Universe progresses its narrative through a mix of Beatles numbers, and it’s a method that sometimes works exceptionally well, and at other times feels a little bit shoehorned. Nonetheless, more of it succeeds than fails, and there’s no denying the quality of the musical work, even though it’s not the Fab Four whose vocal talents are used.
Sometimes a bit uneven, Across The Universe is nonetheless a brave and bold screen musical, with a striking visual style. Director Julie Taymor--who previously directed the musical of The Lion King on Broadway--has fashioned a gleefully unusual movie, that’s a bit risky, sometimes a bit stretched, but very, very watchable. One of the most interesting little gems of 2007. --Jon Foster
Synopsis
The Beatles' songs may have provided the soundtrack for the lives of those coming of age in the 1960s, but their extensive catalogue acts as the literal soundtrack in this romantic musical from visionary director Julie Taymor. Newcomer Jim Sturgess stars as Jude, a young man working on the docks in Liverpool. Eager to escape, he travels to Princeton where he meets Max (Joe Anderson). But it's his meeting with Max's younger sister Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood) that changes him. They quickly fall in love, but their relationship is tested by the chaos of the late 1960s and Max's unwilling tour in Vietnam. Throughout the film, characters burst into classics from The Beatles: students sing 'With a Little Help from My Friends', while Uncle Sam bursts from a recruitment poster with strains of 'I Want You (She's So Heavy)'. U2's Bono makes a cameo as a counterculture leader and croons 'I Am the Walrus', and Eddie Izzard provides a trippy rendition of 'Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite'.
Sturgess puts in a charming and earnest performance as Jude and is certainly capable of carrying the film. Wood capably balances Lucy's naivete and knowledge, easily moving between her love for Jude and her passion for her cause. Though the performances are strong, it's Taymor's gifted direction that makes Across the Universe so fascinating to watch. As in Frida and Broadway's ,The Lion King, she proves herself an artist with creativity few can match. Director of photography Bruno Delbonnel also deserves praise for his contribution to the striking visuals. He has worked with Jean-Pierre Jeunet on Amelie and A Very Long Engagement, and he brings the same sense of romance and whimsy to this unique musical.
Sturgess puts in a charming and earnest performance as Jude and is certainly capable of carrying the film. Wood capably balances Lucy's naivete and knowledge, easily moving between her love for Jude and her passion for her cause. Though the performances are strong, it's Taymor's gifted direction that makes Across the Universe so fascinating to watch. As in Frida and Broadway's ,The Lion King, she proves herself an artist with creativity few can match. Director of photography Bruno Delbonnel also deserves praise for his contribution to the striking visuals. He has worked with Jean-Pierre Jeunet on Amelie and A Very Long Engagement, and he brings the same sense of romance and whimsy to this unique musical.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
All You Need Is ...Another DVD Cover,
By
This review is from: Across the Universe [DVD] [2007] [2008] (DVD)
I was initially put off by the "Mills and Boon" style dvd front cover and the potentially naff idea of creating a romantic narrative through press-ganging songs into use when they have such significance in their own right. But the film reveals successive delights. The director is truly inspired and her film is terrific visually, emotionally and musically.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A thing of rare beauty,
By
This review is from: Across the Universe [DVD] [2007] [2008] (DVD)
A musical is a cinematic form which is an acquired taste for some. However, if you allow yourself to suspend belief for a couple of hours and let this film wash over you like a warm wave then you will emerge uplifted and joyous through the experience.
Without wishing to offer a blow by blow account of the film, suffice it to say that visually the film is glorious,the tale is told with wit and ingenuity and the music is of course sublime. A beautiful way to spend an evening....enjoy !
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Across the Universe - well worth the wait,
By
This review is from: Across the Universe [DVD] [2007] [2008] (DVD)
My 15 year old daughter is Beatles mad, and when we saw this film reviewed back in September she was desperate to see it, but it never viewed in any local cinemas - we live near Brighton, hardly the back of beyond, but the nearest showing was London, Leicester Square. Why this did not get a more general big screen release is a mystery, as it is a fantastic film, and well worth the wait for the DVD. We both found it a magical mystery tour that was definitely not too long.
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