One of the Greatest Movies of all Time

Rating: 10/10 (17 September 2007)

Movie musicals are almost always great, but it takes real talent to make an amazing musical like Hairspray, High School Musical 2, Moulin Rouge, or Rent. Across the Universe is one of the best musicals I've seen, becoming a stand-out with some of the best performances and songs in modern film. Director Julie Taymor takes all of these modern clichés and makes everything feel sparkling new. Many things in the film have been done before and in drastically different ways, but never have they come out so perfectly and consistently as in Across the Universe. The movie stars relatively unknown actors, but that is why it works so well. Every actor or actress is simply made for the role that they have been given, and such energy flows through the production that you'd be surprised how great things turn out to be. Evan Rachel Wood stars as Lucy, Jim Sturgess stars as Jude, and Joe Anderson plays Max.
Across the Universe tells the story of Jude and Lucy, who meet during the 1960's during times of war and crisis, and each of them have separate desires regarding the war, some of which tear them apart. Nevertheless, the two fall completely head-over-heels for each other and must face the hardships that threaten to ruin their relationship.
This film utilizes each song in such a beautiful and seamless fashion that in some cases, you forget that you're listening to Beatles songs that have been reworked, sometimes even with different tunes or melodies. Songs such as 'Strawberry Fields Forever' and 'I am the Walrus' are given luscious and trippy on-screen representations that only makes you appreciate how wonderful the Beatles music really is. Also, there are a few cameos, such as Bono in one of the best scenes in the movie.
The cinematography and visuals are probably the best thing about the movie, including the underwater sequence and a crazy scene with Mr. Kite (played by Eddie Izzard). Director Julie Taymor has such a rich vision of the 60's, and she does a great job of bringing it to the big screen. None of the scenes are bland or plain; every shot is unique in some way as song after song is released upon the audience in a spectacular fashion. She captures almost every important political aspect of the 60's briefly, almost making the film a huge collage of 60's references accompanied by an absolutely incredible plot. The visuals are just absolutely insane and revolutionary, and even some of the most minor touches work so effectively. This is the type of film that really pushes the limits of art and creativity and makes something that seems so fresh and new.
Another great thing about watching Across the Universe was being witness to the great vocals and acting of the leads. Even the most minor characters like Prudence and Mr. Kite really stand out. Jim Sturgess is, by far, the best up-and-comer in the cast, with a really smooth and flowing voice and lots of charisma. He makes the character of Jude, which could be rather dull and boring under other circumstances, almost instantly likable and very appealing. Evan Rachel Wood is also perfectly cast as Lucy, and she is simply gorgeous in almost all of her scenes. Her on-screen chemistry with Sturgess is nothing short of perfect.
Across the Universe is not just a flashy, character-driven romance piece; its design, visuals, acting, and script elevate it to such a higher level than that. The film is basically an instant classic that is very difficult not to like, and its music transcends the film and makes you really feel for the characters and what they're going through. The movie takes some old content and makes it new. Across the Universe perfectly captures the mood and feel of the 60's almost so much so that you feel as if you're living in them. It feels like a revolutionary movie, with all the makings of a cult classic, and yet even that is not giving it enough credit. Oprah is simply raving about this movie, and it has received mostly positive reviews from the critics, especially Roger Ebert, who says that Across the Universe is "an audacious marriage of cutting-edge visual techniques, heart-warming performances, 1960s history and the Beatles songbook," and he gives the movie 4 stars. If you like the Beatles in any way, shape, or form, you absolutely have to see this movie. A+