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Across The Universe, 2007

life under the influence of drugs

Although 20 or more years have passed since the disintegration of The Beatles they still remain to influence modern film makers, Across the Universe pays homage to the iconic band.

Across the Universe is based in the hay day of free love and world peace thus the film is based during the 60's and 70's. And true to the stereotypes of the time the film centred around the youth. A young factory worker from England Jude (Jim Sturgess) leaves behind his mother and then girlfriend in search to find his father in the States. Believing that he's father to be a collage professor but finds that he’s a janitor instead. Disappointed and a little hurt that essentially his father really does not want him part of his life Jude accidently meets a rather rebellious rich kid Max (Joe Anderson). After befriending Max, Jude meets Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood) Max's younger and beautiful sister. It is quite obvious from the onset that there was a clear connection between Lucy and Jude. Which really should be a given considering it is essentially a story about love. The rest of the film follows the relationship between Lucy and Jude. And although there are plenty of subplots the film is very much about Lucy and Jude.

Lucy and Jude

Across the Universe is kind of a confused film. In many ways it's trying too hard to be everything and thus failing to be anything at all. It was much more like a self-indulgent piece from the film makers (be it the director Julie Taynor or the writers & producers). There were many characters in the film and although it starts off as if these characters have their own stories but none of these stories actually followed through. So if the subplots are kind of disappointing than that must mean that much of the movie is about Jude and Lucy. Well not exactly, sometimes the movie is so caught up in establishing subplots and not following through with them many times Jude and Lucy gets lost in the chaos. It's a shame that Taynor had not followed through with the story arches she had developed and then so brazenly ignored.

I do however really like the incorporation of the music in the film. It was beautiful to hear all the classic Beatle's music again. And basically really only enjoyed the film because it's music.Taynor definitely focused on the free, youthful and rebellious nature of the time focusing on both sexual and drug explorations. A focus on the protest culture that was central to America in the 60's and 70's defined much of the film. Due to this the film was visually pleasing with the bright colours and interesting costumes and scenes.

Verdict: Across the Universe in its entirety is a bit of a disappointment. Although the music and visuals were spectacular to watch however if the story telling is confused and underwhelming even great music can't save it. 6.3/10

And I was disappointed they did not have the song Across the Universe actually in the movie but was only in the credits. And there was also no rendition of Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds. C'mon seriously missing some awesome songs.

Free love

Sidenote: Sorry if this is badly written and poorly edited is feeling a bit tired well fix it later. And thank you again for reading.

Much love,
Samira =D

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