Across the Universe (2007) - User Reviews

"There's nothing you can know that can't be known. There's nothing you can see that isn't shown". Fantastic words originally sung by the Beatles back in 1967 and now being heard again in director Julie Taymor's original musical 'Across the Universe'. Filled with more than thirty songs by the famous group from Liverpool, it tells the tale of two star crossed lovers living in the ever changing 1960's. Of all the films to be released here in 2007 this was the one I was waiting for. It was first brought to my attention at the very start of the year by an uncanny Mr. Scott Yuken. I didn't invest much into his mentioning then seeing as how I hadn't heard of even seen a trailer for the film. Then on January 19th right before my viewing of 'The Last King of Scotland' that all changed. A guy on a beach appeared on the screen and began to sing 'Girl'. Before it was over and the title was revealed I knew this was the film Scott had been talking about. From that day on I'd been waiting and dieing to it see it. After a three week release schedule delay due to a revenge motivated Revolution Studios it happened. I finally got to see it this past Friday.

It's not done in the showy stage style like 'Chicago' and this year's 'Hairspray', nor is it any less entertaining. It sort of feels like it mimics the essence of 'Moulin Rouge' but takes itself seriously and goes one step further creatively and visually. From an interesting army induction number to a melodic underwater scene Taymor has brought to us one of the most stunningly illustrative films in years. I can't even remember how many times I caught myself with my mouth wide open in total awe. To boot, the music arrangements and new renditions of classic Beatles songs are just plain great. Some of the tunes will sound pleasingly familiar as they have been kept true to the originals like 'Hold Me Tight' and 'All My Loving'. Others like 'I Want to Hold Your Hand' have been transformed into completely new forms with equally different meanings. Personally I loved how the actors had to sing most of the songs live during filming adding a realistic emotional tone instead of lip syncing. Still, there's no doubt that some of the hardcore fans of the Beatles will voice their hatred of the re-workings to their beloved favorites even if deep down they can't admit even to themselves they love them.

Most surprising to me though were the stellar performances from this cast of mostly unknowns. Jim Sturgees impresses as the young dock worker from Liverpool with his undeniable charm. Evan Rachel Wood who many will remember from TV's 'Once and Again' where she played Jessie Sammler is superb as the idealist Lucy. Together their romance is although highly cliqued, in my eyes on the best on-screen relationships to date. Many of the other memorable actors are those who aren't seen but for a short amount of time such as Eddie Izzard as the fascinating ringmaster Mr. Kite. Then of course T.V. Carpio as soul-seeking lesbian Prudence who is for sure someone who should have been included more in the film. Her version of 'I Want to Hold Your Hand' is both haunting and moving.

Sadly enough, there are a few flaws in this wonderful spectacle of a film. I wanted to give 'Across the Universe' five stars, I really did. Nonetheless I can't escape the fact it didn't begin as extraordinary as the rest of it turned out to be. Starting out as if it wasn't quite sure it was going to be a run of the mill musical or one of the greats, everything just didn't take off. Maybe I seen the beach scene too many times in the trailer or I felt the switching back and forth between Lucy and Jude was a cheap way to cut the runtime. Either way, worry did wash over me along with the newspaper waves seen at the start. The only other thing I can see as a problem is something most people are going to hate me for saying. Yes, the songs were redone great, but perhaps there was just a bit too many of them. Thirty-one songs with vocals is awful lot you must admit. (Most movies musicals have nowhere near that many.) It pains me to stamp this review with but four stars. However, it's still one of my favorite films and I still urge everyone to see it because there's also no escaping the fact that 'Across the Universe' is one of the few must-see films of 2007.

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