Discover the Overlooked Gem Roger Ebert Called Perfect, Despite Its Box Office Fail!

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Occasionally, exceptional movies slip under the radar or get lost in time. The movie industry continues to flourish, producing numerous masterpieces along the way. Among these countless treasures, one of the most extraordinary and original is a nearly forgotten jukebox musical by Julie Taymor – a Beatles-themed musical might sound ordinary, but Across the Universe offers an extraordinary experience that transcends its genre, capturing the tumultuous and ever-changing spirit of mid-20th century America. Released in 2007, the film was intended to be a triumphant sequel to Taymor’s award-winning biographical drama, Frida, but unfortunately, it didn’t achieve the same level of success. The film’s unique blend of musical theater and cinematic magic may have caught people’s attention, but it was far from being the latest trend. It can be argued that Taymor’s psychedelic approach might have contributed to the film’s commercial struggles, but it also gives Across the Universe its distinctive and unmatched character.

As a film enthusiast, I must say that “Across the Universe” isn’t your typical jukebox musical. It retains the excitement and spirit of “Mamma Mia,” but it also offers a unique historical perspective. This movie not only amuses but also enlightens, frequently drawing from and even immersing its characters into some of the most significant events of recent decades. Beneath its vibrant colors and infectious melodies, “Across the Universe” is a period piece. However, its genre has been given a fresh twist. Taymor doesn’t romanticize coal-streaked Victorian streets or the gritty atmosphere of the 1980s. Instead, she embraces the dynamic changes of the 1960s. The film’s true passion for history and music is evident throughout, shining brightly through its every scene.

Julie Taymor’s Across the Universe

  • During “A Little Help From My Friends,” the actors only mime smoking to ensure the film received a PG-13 rating.
  • Revolution Studios’ Jim Roth controversially tested a shortened cut of the film, but Taymor’s lengthy vision was ultimately reinstated.
  • The film’s United States debut, on October 9, coincided with John Lennon’s birthday.

The movie titled “Across the Universe” sets its story in motion during the 1960s. Its main character, Jude (portrayed by Jim Sturgess), is an idealistic British artist yearning for success in America. Originally intending to locate his father, Wes (Robert Clohessy), a World War II veteran from the U.S., living as a resident of Liverpool, Jude’s plans soon take a different course. Instead, he finds himself captivated by Wes’ younger sister, Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood). Furthermore, he strikes up friendship with Max (Joe Anderson), a laid-back student at Princeton University.

The movie primarily revolves around this central theme as it unfolds during a tumultuous era. Over time, the story’s cast expands, eventually incorporating various eccentric characters. Following his college dropout, Max finds himself in a free-spirited commune led by Sadie (Dana Fuchs). Their flatmate, Prudence (T. V. Carpio), is a shy yet idealistic young woman. Later on, they welcome Jo-Jo (Martin Luther McCoy) into their home, a man who survived the 1967 Detroit riots.

As you proceed, you’ll encounter a vibrant mosaic of historical occurrences. Jude stands as our anchor, experiencing America’s internal turmoil firsthand. Unknowingly, he finds himself drawn into the tapestry of history. In essence, he spends much of his time observing rather than participating. He navigates through time, witnessing a pointless war tearing a nation apart and fostering suspicion among its people.

In a remarkably creative twist, news headlines transform into captivating cinematic masterpieces. Uniquely, the characters in Across the Universe function as both observers and participants. Sometimes they find themselves in pivotal moments, others they might accidentally step into history’s most turbulent events. They not only witness but also ignite societal upheavals.

How Across the Universe Travels Through History

  • Achieving a PG-13 rating meant the actors had to carefully pose during nude scenes to avoid “showing too much skin.”
  • Taymor criticized the MPAA while making the film, calling out the double standard of allowing excessive violence while banning nudity.
  • The MPAA demanded that Taymor’s team remove one long-distance shot with visible nipples to retain a PG-13 rating.

To fully enumerate every historical incident depicted in “Across the Universe” would require a comprehensive overview. The movie encapsulates the complex tapestry of the 1960s, showcasing its unique blend of hope, pragmatism, and despair. Characters navigate through demonstrations, unrest, and political turmoil. Therefore, it’s more practical to concentrate on some of the era’s most significant milestones instead.

The Vietnam War, a contentious and significant event in the 1960s that continues to resonate today, gradually permeates the narrative. Eventually, this tragic military engagement affects the primary characters profoundly. However, Taylor portrays it not only as a standalone element but also seamlessly integrates it with other aspects of the story. The war is depicted through a mix of news clips, stark contrasts, and nostalgic reenactments.

In this piece, Taymor’s artistic style shows a lot of similarities with her previous works. Similar to Frida, Across the Universe employs intriguing time dilation. Its vibrant imagery resembles the past but avoids being exaggerated parodies, and each vivid color creates a striking contrast against the softer tones commonly used in contemporary films.

In several aspects, the story’s progression bears resemblance to that of Forrest Gump. Just like the characters and their observers, they too are pawns in the ever-changing schemes of distant decision-makers. Their situation mirrors ours, filled with obstacles beyond our control. Their hopefulness clashes with the whims of those who wield power over the world. They aspire for a brighter tomorrow, yet they find themselves as powerless as we often do.

Beyond just the Vietnam War, the movie delves deep into the anti-war movement and its diverse expressions. In “Dear Prudence,” the characters partake in a tranquil protest march. However, viewers are subsequently exposed to the aggressive (and often violent) resistance of the Weather Underground. The film powerfully portrays the emotional distress caused by Vietnam’s seemingly senseless casualties, as Lucy’s initial love interest meets his demise during his military service. Moreover, it underscores the profound psychological wounds inflicted upon those who came back home.

Using Art and Music to Connect to the Past

  • In addition to music from The Beatles, Across the Universe features an instrumental score from longtime Taymor contributor Elliot Goldenthal.
  • The toe-tapping soundtrack has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.
  • Three versions of the soundtrack have been produced. Only one of these releases includes all 33 Beatles songs used in the film.

In a way that might appear unusual or even disrespectful, this political chaos is juxtaposed with a Beatles theme. On the surface, the film’s most profound moments come across as grim humor rather than impressive demonstrations of musical adaptability. Comparing the tragic race riots and fatalities to a choir performing “Let It Be” isn’t common practice, but it fits surprisingly well. Similarly, a straightforward explanation of the “Happiness Is a Warm Gun” scene doesn’t do justice to how accurately its humorous sexual innuendo encapsulates America’s perspective on violence.

Indeed, Across the Universe. It’s a heartfelt tribute to a band often considered the most influential or excessively praised rock group ever. However, it’s their ongoing cultural impact and timeless pop appeal that serve as the foundation for the movie’s underlying theme.

In many ways, The Beatles’ songs didn’t directly call for political action, but they were born out of a turbulent time period. Their releases frequently mirrored or synchronized with the events portrayed in the movie. For instance, “Dear Prudence” is a complex song that expresses concern for their roommate, Prudence, as well as a generation’s desire for a more thoughtful approach to war. This song was part of the album known as The Beatles (or The White Album), which came out in 1967 – the same year as the significant Columbia University peace protest that is featured in the film.

While Sturgess’s song “Revolution” aligns wonderfully with the Greenwich Village bombing of 1970, it was actually released on an album in 1968. However, its ideological themes remain relevant. Some interpretations, even those that seem quite far-fetched, fit seamlessly into the movie’s narrative and visuals.

As a film enthusiast, I must say that Taymor’s unconventional interpretations of iconic Beatles tunes offer rich, multi-layered glimpses into history. One striking instance of this reimagined music is the transformative rendition of “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” in “Across the Universe.” This love song is given a darker twist, becoming an oppressive, bass-heavy commentary on the dangerous blend of patriotism and jingoism. In a similar vein, the romantic ballad “Oh, Darling” is reworked into a bitter on-stage argument that mirrors the musical turmoil of the times.

Why Did the Film Fail?

  • Choreographer Daniel Ezralow has a cameo as a dancing priest in “Happiness Is a Warm Gun.”
  • Jake Gyllenhaal was one of many actors considered for the role of Jude.
  • Sadie’s character was created specifically for Dana Fuchs.

Despite its critical acclaim and numerous positive reviews, “Across the Universe” failed to achieve commercial success like its surrealistic predecessor did. Although it was praised by critics such as Roger Ebert who considered it a masterpiece, it didn’t resonate with audiences in the same way.

The movie was visually stunning and impressive, but despite being so, Julie Taymor’s expansive drama, which spanned over a decade, had an expensive production cost of approximately $70.8 million. Despite its beauty, it only managed to earn around $29.6 million due to its limited distribution. This significant loss caused Taymor to momentarily step away from filmmaking. However, the end product showcases her directorial genius as a lasting tribute.

Perhaps the main issue with the movie lies in its central concept – the soulful tunes centered around The Beatles – which may have set it up for failure from the beginning. Instead, audiences were anticipating a lively, psychedelic adventure. However, the band’s leftist leanings are often overlooked by many, resulting in an image of them that is clean and apolitical, appealing to casual viewers. Contrarily, Julie Taymor’s film delves deeply into the political turmoil that gave rise to The Beatles’ most impactful songs, offering a profound introspection rather than the expected light-hearted romp.

The movie, Across the Universe, makes a significant impact. It’s an intellectually stimulating journey, intertwined with ample doses of humor and joy. Even in its most laid-back scenes, it serves as a profound critique of the diplomatic blunders that caused pain and discord among a generation. The artistic representations may not always conform to traditional interpretations of each song. However, it garnered high acclaim from surviving band members, including George Harrison’s widow, Olivia, who praised its vision along with Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney. Despite the audience’s most vocal criticism, they seemed to understand its essence due to their personal experiences.

Although “Across the Universe” might appear typical, with a love story that feels overly familiar, it’s not just about its characters. Instead, it serves as a condensed representation of an era, offering a stylish perspective on a time period that seems increasingly significant. Hidden beneath its glossy exterior, the film invites viewers to ponder their own reactions to such events. The characters are not intended to be fully developed, rather they are fleeting moments in time captured on screen.

What makes this movie fascinating is how it immerses viewers in the story. The structure is similar to a pick-your-own-path novel, where the characters seem to be inviting us to step into their perspectives and experience the narrative from different viewpoints.

Will they choose to be neutral observers, tagging along with Jude and Max, or will they take a bold stance like Lucy, the passionate extremist? Alternatively, they might opt for solitude, immersing themselves in art, much like Jo-Jo or Sadie. Perhaps they’ll withdraw from the world and focus on love, emulating Prudence. Each option presents a unique journey, with each character intentionally enigmatic. Every instance offers an opportunity to live history, although it’s experienced through a kaleidoscopic perspective. Similarly, every song captures a piece of history.

The film might have been deemed “too political” by some viewers today, pushing the boundaries perhaps a bit too far for comfort. However, for a movie like “Across the Universe”, being politically charged is an advantage rather than a disadvantage. While it may not appeal to everyone and draw criticism, Julie Taymor’s Beatles-inspired magnum opus transcends mere romantic tale. Its impact goes beyond its catchy soundtrack. It offers a deeply engaging, thoughtful exploration of historical diplomatic blunders. And in today’s context, it appears strikingly relevant.

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2025-04-24 05:09