All You Need Is Love

Across The Universe [2007]


Okay, so just about every girl is gushing over Jim Sturgess [Not that there’s anything wrong with that of course: the boy is only drop-dead gorgeous!] ever since the actor got spotted playing key roles in hot movies this past year or so such as The Other Boleyn Girl and 21; the latter of which was only released in Singapore just this summer. Truth be told, this movie had been gathering figurative dust on my figurative shelf for a disgraceful amount of time before IMDB did its magic and I found out that the lovely lovely Sturgess was lead starring in it. So yes, it was for shallow reasons why I ended up watching the brilliant film [Admit it: you originally watched Wanted because of Angelina Jolie right? I rest my case] but it sure wasn’t said reasons why I ended up loving it.

Across The Universe is one of those films where you end up either loving it for all its poignancy or hating it because of the trippy way the message comes across. An emotional musical taking place in the 1960s, Across The Universe follows the lives of a few close acquaintances just weathering out the decade through both the good and the bad. Expect psychedelic scenes of flamboyance, revolutions and rock ‘n roll in all its yummy goodness. What really sets this musical apart from the rest is that it incorporates and covers melodies originally sang by The Beatles that work themselves seamlessly into the plot. Be sure to also look out for those sly references in the character's names as well .

Jude (Sturgess), a disgruntled factory labourer in Liverpool, decides to ship himself, beret and all, to the US of A in which he finds fast camaraderie in college dropout Max (Joe Anderson) before falling in love with Max’s younger sister, Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood) in the decadent city of New York [think Rent] despite their vast backgrounds. The three of them meet several other individuals throughout their stay in the Big Apple, including an unlucky-in-love lesbian (T.V. Carpio), a Detroit guitarist (Martin Luther) looking for escape after his younger brother’s death, and a rising superstar (Dana Fuchs) on the go. One of the main trials in this motion picture include the turbulent times of the Vietnam War, especially when Max finds out that he has been enlisted to join the armed forces, which ultimately spark emotions and riots as everybody struggles in their respective fight for what they believe in.

The Verdict
It is clear from the start that director Julie Taymor possesses a penchant for whimsical vibrant imagery. Unfortunately, in some times, her focus may seem rather nonsensical and misplaced. In addition, some characters do not provide enough depth to make a considerable contribution to the film. The prime example? Prudence (Carpio): sure, the initial layers are there, with her being an Asian homosexual, but her role in the film is thin and seemingly unfounded other than trying to add a little racial diversity and sexuality. Even so, Across The Universe proves to be a masterpiece film that is both empowering and captivating to watch. The actors are all absolutely phenomenal [Anderson, especially, nails it bang on as charming playboy Max: not to mention he serves as delicious eye candy! ] and the entire motion picture more than makes up for the minor flaws. Personal highlights of the movie would have to be the heart-wrenching rendition of 'Let It Be’ sung by a lone African-American boy in the midst of chaos in Detroit and the jazzy, bass-driven cover of ‘Come Together’. Also, who could forget the unique take of ‘I Want You (She’s So Heavy)’ in the military base? Trust me when I say that if you’re not already a Beatles fan, you’re sure to be one after watching this.

♥ lovestoned