Harold Goldstein
“Across The Universe” is a product of The Beatles’ legendary sound fused on the silver screen, resulting in a two hour, 11 minute musical that will make you laugh, cry and everything in between.
The film combines an enduring time period–the Vietnam War–with music, romance, a dash of comedy and a pinch of psychedelic cinematography.
It begins as Jude, a young dockworker in Liverpool, England, travels to the United States to find his father, a former solider who he has never known.
There, he befriends Max, a rebellious kid with a privileged history, along with his sister, Lucy. The three travel to New York for fun and adventure.
They move into a small apartment with a singer who’s trying to make it to the big time.
The trio’s lives change rapidly as Lucy joins the movement of an anti-war group, and Max is drafted. Jude, frustrated, tries to maintain a relationship with Lucy and his artistic ambition.
The Beatles flow through this movie like water. Constructed in musical format, the film creates great imagery with the songs that they convey.
For example, the song “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” is portrayed as Uncle Sam’s memorable approach to the war and how the boys are turned into soldiers.
The film’s choreography is impressive, seamlessly coordinated with their respective Beatles songs.
In addition to the music of The Beatles, there are several references throughout the film to their work via character names and dialogue.
For instance, “Max” was pulled from the playfully disturbing track “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” from the album “Abbey Road.”
Although the movie may have been long, the time flew.
Its acting was superb, and “Across The Universe” has certainly earned a permanent place in the musical film genre.
Overall Rating: A-
Abbot Genser / Revolution Studios ()