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Across the Universe

“Music is the only thing that makes sense anymore.” A quote taken directly from the film, it conveys one of the extravagant themes that encompass the musical film, "Across the Universe:" that music has the magnificent power of connection between people. The feelings expressed by people around the world can all be related through song. And an emotional journey this movie is! A film containing a song for almost every possible emotion, "Across the Universe" is bound to send viewers into a world of chaos, mystery, fear, doubt, bliss, hope and, of course, love.

The film, set in the 1960s, begins with the story of Jude (Jim Sturgess), a young dreamer from England who is bound and determined to find his father in America. It is through his journey that the audience meets the other characters in the film, each one unique, and each one facing a different struggle in life. The story’s main plot takes place in the Lower East Side of New York, where Jude and his new found friend Max (Joe Anderson) decide to live. Max is a young dropout from Columbia University who, despite his parents’ expectancies, cannot live the life they have planned for him. Max’s sister, Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood), a recent graduate of high school whose boyfriend had been killed in Vietnam, shortly joins them. It is her and Jude’s relationship that becomes the main love story in the film. However, the entire movie encompasses the concept of love. Through using the tearful events of the historical past: the Detroit Riots, the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War the characters in "Across the Universe" preach that love is the only bond that can save us. In a world that was failing them, these people looked to each other for comfort. A singer struggling to make it big, a guitarist who had nothing left, a sheltered teenager eager for change, an immigrant eager for a cause, an abused woman who has given up on men and a young man drafted into the war. These people, who are so different from each other, all come together in this film of dazzling lights, animation, dance and music.

What makes the film so amazing is that all of its 31 songs are from the Beatles songbook. Going into the film, the audience will already be familiar with much of the music. Oldies hits such as “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” “I am the Walrus” and “All My Loving” are present. However, the movie also presents less recognized songs like “Happiness is a Warm Gun,” “I Want You” and “It Won’t Be Long.” Even songs that the audience is already familiar are sung with a different perspective than the original hit would suggest, creating new spins on old favorites. The music inspires and captivates the audience in such a way as to share with them the emotions that the characters are feeling. This movie is amazing! Such an artistic array of talent has never been shown quite like this.

Written by: Amy Hillard

Reviewers Rating: 8.5
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