Across the Universe
Set against the anti-war protests, rock & roll revolution, and mind-expanding psychedelia of the 1960s, Julie Taymor's hallucinogenic musical follows the arduous journey of star-crossed lovers Jude (Jim Sturgess) and Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood) as they and a small group of musicians are swept up in the raging waters of the volatile counterculture movement. Guided through their journey by a pair known only as Dr. Robert (Bono) and Mr. Kite (Eddie Izzard), Jude and Lucy are eventually forced to find their way back to one another after being split apart by powerful forces beyond their control. The music in the film consists exclusively of songs made popular by the Beatles during the time period depicted in the movie.
Director: Julie Taymor
Starring: Evan Rachel Wood, Jim Sturgess,Joe Anderson, Dana Fuchs, Martin Luther McCoy
Here is a bold, beautiful, visually enchanting musical where we walk INTO the theater humming the songs.
Somewhere around its midpoint, Across the Universe captured my heart, and I realized that falling in love with a movie is like falling in love with another person. Imperfections, however glaring, become endearing quirks once you've tumbled.
While the songs are recycled, Across the Universe stands out just by existing.
To call it trippy would be an understatement. Your head might explode. Just don't accuse Taymor of playing it safe.
While style trumps substance, something in the way this '60s tribute moves attracts us.
Best Achievement in Costume Design
Academy Awards (2008)
Bruno Delbonnel
Camerimage (2007)
Outstanding Achievement in Casting - Studio Feature - Drama
Casting Society of America (2008)
Best Foreign Film (Miglior Film Straniero)
David di Donatello Awards (2008)
Outstanding Film - Wide Release
GLAAD Media Awards (2008)
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