TATS QUIBLAT

You will watch this film because you love the Beatles. Either that or because you love musicals, or you're a fan of romantic movies, or it could be that you like watching films that have political anti-war statements. Or it could be that you just want to watch Bono sing in a musical film playing the psychedelic Dr. Robert. If none of the reasons mentioned here ring a bell, I am pretty sure you will find a delightful motive to sit down and sing along Jude and Lucy as they travel Across The Universe filling the 60's world with Lurve (love)!

What could possibly go wrong with a film that is sang-through, where all songs used were of the Beatles, and the characters are named Jude and Lucy? Nothing. Well, almost nothing.

In this Julie Taymor (Frida) directed musical, Jude (Jim Sturgess) is a Liverpool local who works in a Dockyard. Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood) is an American girl on the verge of entering the Ivy League. Jude travels all the way to America to find his father and in the process meets Max, Lucy’s man-of-the-world brother. They become close friends. Expectedly, through Max, Jude meets Lucy. They fall in love, of course and, as in all love stories, something tears them apart. In this case, jealousy, conflict in principles, and the Vietnam War. Lucy becomes an activist when her boyfriend dies in ‘Nam and when Max is sent as a draftee. Jude, on the other hand, becomes a carefree-not-giving-a-damn artist. Their relationship turns sour and you just have to watch the movie to find out what happens next.

The love story arc is quite formulaic but you won’t really care. There are even subplots thrown here and there that further complicate the story, but, again, you won’t care. The songs are enough to carry you through till the credits. Sometimes the editing gets in the way. Sometimes the storyline digresses. And sometimes, the plot turns into a dead end, in which case the movie backs up and tries another route. Again, it doesn’t matter. You’re just so glad they were brilliant enough to come up with a whole plot for a movie that tells its story through songs by the Beatles. Ain’t it brilliant? I think so.

It also helps that the two leads have an outstandingly impressive vocal prowess. Close your eyes and you’d think Jim Sturgess is a young and struggling Paul McCartney. Evan Rachel Wood has a timbre on her voice reminiscent of a 50’s torch singer. They have also given new arrangements to some classic Beatles songs and included lesser-known Beatles recordings. Needless to say, this film is a must see for all die-hard Beatles fans. Dana Fuchs and Martin Luther (Sadie and Jojo, respectively) also deliver wonderful performances. If these guys released their own albums, I’d surely snag one.

Another reason why this film is worth your Benjamins is its Art Direction. Superb is an understatement. I can’t describe it to you here. I won’t even attempt in the name of justice but, really, the Art Direction here is spectacular.

Also, Watch out for cameos by Eddie Izzard, Salma Hayek, and the BONO!!! Bono here sings “I Am The Walrus” and that in itself is more than what you paid for. Bono steals the scene and I’m sure this will go down as one of film history’s most memorable moments. It’s an instant classic.

Over-all, Across The Universe is a beautiful film/Beatles tribute. Beautifully shot, well acted, and sincere. So what possibly went wrong? C’mon, it’s the Beatles. The film stands no chance. Compared to them, everything else becomes less perfect. But then again, it’s just me. So go and try to watch it. If you ain’t a Beatles fan yet, this film just might make you a convert. Goo goo g’joob! Goo goo g’joob!