Amygdalia's Blog

Across the Universe

Music is the only thing that makes sense anymore... play it loud enough and it keeps the demons at bay.

In this film, the music is used to illustrate the demons - especially the music that is played the loudest (Happiness is a Warm Gun, Helter Skelter).  A good movie musical will use the music to advance the story, or at least to deepen our understanding of the character.  This film is extremely successful in this regard, with the possible exception of its use of Blackbird.  Director Julie Taymor is able to string together otherwise unrelated Beatles songs, to create a unique narrative with a powerful message.

Evan Rachel Wood and Jim Sturgess are fabulous in their roles as two youths coming from different worlds.  Jim Sturgess plays Jude, a dockworker from Liverpool, England, who comes to America to try and find his father.  Evan Rachel Wood as Lucy is a privileged, sheltered suburban teen who comes to New York City to spend the summer with her brother.  Set in the 1960s, the film uses music and altered reality to explore themes of anti-war protest and civil rights, as well as to advance the idea that, really All You Need is Love. 

Likened by many to Moulin Rouge, this film seems to have a similar impact on critics and viewers alike – you either love it, or you hate it!  Me?  I think you can figure that out! 


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