Across The Universe

Director Julie Taymor takes a bold step with Across The Universe. Of course, Taymor has never been one to shrink away from ambitious projects. Her past ones included an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Titus and she also brought to the screen the life of Frida Kahlo with commendable results. Across The Universe is bold in another realm altogether as Taymor borrows extensively from The Beatles for this project. Taking into account the millions of Beatles fans across the globe, it’s an ambitious move that will either bomb or amaze. Not surprisingly, this was one movie-musical that has been talked about for months before its release date. Earlier reports indicated that the first cut of her movie left Taymor so devastated that she demanded to have her name taken off as director. But even if that happened (her name remains as director), this movie couldn’t have been anyone’s but Taymor’s. Her eye for visuals (thanks to her experience in opera and theatre) and signature flair for the fantastic is practically branded throughout the movie. A combination of her style and the exquisite reinterpretation of 33 Beatles songs (US$10 million royalties were paid) are the true stars of this film, making us forgive the rather thin plot. The story centres on Jude, a young man from Liverpool who leaves his family behind to search for his father in the USA. Once there, he meets privileged and rebellious Max, who is on his way to dropping out of Princeton. He is also introduced to the idealistic Lucy, the All American Dream, whom he falls slowly in love with. Max persuades Jude to follow him to New York City, where their paths cross with Sexy Sadie (very Janis Joplin), JoJo (modeled after Jimi Hendrix) and the Asian lesbian, Prudence. This is the ‘60s, and America, along with Jude and his friends, are caught at the beginning of a revolution. When Max gets drafted into the army, Jude’s relationship with Lucy deteriorates when she gets increasingly involved with a group of protestors against the Vietnam War. Essentially, it’s a simple love story that has the added allure of Beatles’s songs to help guide the plot along. Fortunately, this is one movie where a simple plot is a bonus as everything else is a complex affair. The phantasmagoric flights of fancy we’re taken on in this movie is well worth the price of your ticket alone. The relatively young and undiscovered cast is also a joy to watch as this film demonstrates their range and versatility. Whether it’s singing, acting or dancing, they can do it all effortlessly. Another plus is that the songs were not merely covered; instead they were reinterpreted by the cast and director in a fresh, new way that even hardcore fans can appreciate. Definitely a magical, mystery tour that has to be seen and experienced.

Cast Jim Sturgess, Evan Rachel Wood, Joe Anderson Director Julie Taymor Runtime 131 mins Opens 29 November

Text Sarah Chan