A musical set in the 60s and using the classic music of The Beatles as a backdrop to explore themes of love, war, and peace. Sounds awesome right? Across the Universe is anything but.
Music lovers stay well away, because the performers on show here do nothing with the legendary material they’re given except to give it a thorough butchering. When leading man Jim Sturgess romances his sweetheart with a rendition of ‘All my Loving’, instead of tender feelings of love, what’s evoked is intense irritation. The gossip rags would have us believe that he and co-star Evan Rachel Wood are bandying about the possibility of further collaboration – musically. Let’s hope this is empty rumour mongering on their part, because a singer Sturgess is not. His performance in the film is reminiscent of Ewan McGregor’s turn in Moulin Rouge – he’s loud. Sure the guy can belt his vocals across the room, but does the skill to make yourself heard equate talent?
Evan Rachel Wood as leading lady Lucy fairs better than her onscreen Prince Charming. Reputedly having been musically inclined for some years now, she doesn’t blow anyone’s socks off but at least she doesn’t repel either. A rising talent who’s impressed in movies like Pretty Persuasion and King of California, here the actress has little chances to shine.
The film itself is a mish-mash of themes that come off disjointed and uneven. The filmmakers have tried to use Beatles songs as a leaping point for scenes, but failed to craft a real story for viewers to follow. Creators went into this project with the intention of making a Beatles inspired musical, and the film’s story and development have taken a backseat to this. Situations with no relevance at all are slipped in just so a certain song can be sung. The result is both bewildering and frustrating. Hurting the project further is the total inability of any of the actors to handle the material. The film’s musical moments aren’t so much magical as cringe-worthy.
There’s really no wonder this studio-backed offering saw such a poor release, followed by a quick trip to DVD shelves.
across the universe is an amazing movie with a moving plot. jim sturgess and the entire cast have undiscovered and real talent, almost the entire singing is live. julie taymor created an unoriginal, emotional, and beautiful musical using the very best artists to date, The Beatles. across the universe isnt another cooker-cutter, romatic comedy musical. this movie has important meanings we need to focus on in the world today. across the universe is a fantastic way to relive the phycadelic 60’s with the classic, undescribable music of the flawless beatles. for anyone who doesnt like this movie, i suggest you reconsider and appreciate this unique and one of a kind movie.
PEACE
See, I thought Evan Rachel Wood was the worse for wear. She is NOT a first soprano, and they had her hit notes she never should have attempted that made me cringe.
As for them butchering the Beatles songs… I don’t necessarily think that’s true either. While the Beatles could sing like no other, if you strip their voices from the music and listen to the instrumentals… Well, NOTHING good is heard. I liked the reformation that went on.
I am also a fan of strong British singing voices, so I didn’t think Jim Sturgess was all that terrible. Then again, I also liked Moulin Rouge. This is one of those things where either you love it, or you hate it.
Watching it again a few weeks ago, I didn’t mind it so much. I’m not sure what triggered such a strong reaction the first time ’round.