Across the Universe (Two-Disc Special Edition)

After buying Across the Universe, I decided to check out Amazon and see what others had to say about it. (And yes, maybe I should have done that first.) My eyes were instantly flooded with positive reviews for this film, but since I've heard (too often actually) all the nice things to say, I sifted through some of the negative reviews. The people who didn't enjoy this film pretty much hated it for all the same reasons: lack of plot, character development, and talent; misuse of Beatles songs, pretension...

And while I do consider myself a "true Beatles fan" (opposed to a fake one?) I have to say I didn't hate this movie, but I didn't love it either (and I really, really wanted to love it).

This movie does tend to play like a super long music video. It has little to no plot and is strung together by songs and Beatle references. Some of which are downright cringe- worthy, one in particular is when Prudence suddenly appears in Sadie's apartment and its revealed that "she came in through the bathroom window". Some of the songs featured have little to no significance to the movie. And the storyline left a lot to be desired, there was little explanation of the characters choices. It sometimes felt like I was just a bystander, with no insight into the characters but merely watching events unfold around them.

With only 19 years behind and without having studied the 1960s in depth, I am unable to commit on this movie's accurate portrayal of 1960s, but I thought they did an okay job conveying the tension, the change, and the drug and sex exploration of the time.

Furthermore, their rendition of the songs were not half bad. I mean, sure the Fab Four didn't intend for their songs to be taken so literally, but that's kind of what music is all about isn't? The fact that it means something different to everybody. Hands down the best thing about the film is its cinematography. It was nothing short of breathtaking and because of that I can watch this movie again.

Overall, I think the film is worth viewing. Beatles' fans should rent it before buying, because your either going to love it or hate it.

Highlights:
"I want to hold your hand" sung by T.V. Carpio
"Happiness is warm gun" sung by Joe Anderson
"Across the Universe" sung by Jim Strugress
"Blackbird" sung by Evan Rachael Wood

Are they better than the original? Um, not no, but hell no! Still, I found the previously mentioned songs to be the most enjoyable and download-worthy.

And with all its flaws, be thankful there wasn't a character named 'Strawberry Fields' ...

Una excelente película, muy bien lograda, con fotografía de calidad. Sumado a lo anterior, The Beatles de las más variadas formas. Una película para oir.

Okay, I thought this might be a nice piece of film to sit back to and enjoy. I mean who doesn't like the music of The Beatles? It took me aback to see how horribly the actor's sang and how only the thinnest lines of melody where used in the instrumentation. Then there was the plot, or absence thereof... Take a bunch of Beatles songs mix them in a hat and write a script??? I shan't hurl invectives at the director or writers, but shame on those who think this is good cinema. It makes Cannibal: The Musical look dramatically deep.

I thought it was a waste of a DVD disc. Someone could have used that disc to burn something worthwhile.

Thoroughly disgusted and have lost two hours of my lifespan to fecal splattering.

Only in Amerika

This movie has had a HUGE impact on me, it is definitely in my top two movies(along with Moulin Rouge!). Across the Universe has made a Beatles fan out of me, and everyone I've showed it to. The music is great, the cast is awesome and even though this movie is set 25 years before I was born I loved it and it has changed the way I think about a lot of things(Yes, I am totally obsessed). So go rent it, you wont't be sorry!

***** 2007. Written and directed by Julie Taymor. An Academy award and a Golden Globe nomination. The 60's seen through the songs of the Beatles. A unique vision developed by one of the most interesting directors of our time. I was already enthused a few years ago by Frida and the way Julie Taymor managed to give life to some of Frida Kahlo's paintings, now I can't but praise this film. The screenplay is uttermost smart, the actors perfect and Julie Taymor a director one has to count with. Masterpiece.