Across the Universe (2007)
Directed by: Julie Taymor
Starring: Evan Rachel Wood, Jim Sturgess, Joe Anderson
Rated: PG-13
Runtime: 133mins

Julie Taymor delivers a visually stunning film that’s a treat for both the eyes and the ears. Situated in the 60’s, Beatles songs are incorporated into a movie to help enhance the telling of a love story admidst the historic events of the era. Jude (Jim Sturgess) is a young man from Liverpool, England who arrives in America seeking his absentee father. He finds him as well as a new friend, Max (Joe Anderson). Max is a free spirit stifled by his rich family expectations and after a heated Thanksgiving, he and Jude head to New York City. When Max’s sister, Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood), comes for a visit, her and Jude embark on a relationship that is tested by the times.

Just to make it clear, this is a musical. Think “Moulin Rouge” over “The Sound of Music”, though. The songs used receive a revamp and are paired with spectacular scenes; the two really compliment and bring each other to life. All the characters have great voices and don’t feel like they are just re-iterating a song. They put good emotion into their voices. I really enjoyed Jim Sturgess’s performance and was surprised by Evan Rachel Wood. Though I suppose it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise as a good number of actors out there can sing; they just don’t usually get to do so unless they try to do a dual career.

Taymor tries to bring out the psychadelic nature of the 60’s and does a fabulous job. There are very strange and surreal moments all throughout the movie, such as the scene when Max answers his draft call, during “I am the Walrus” and during the circus segment with Eddie Izzard. Vivid colors, visual special effects, camera work that makes the movie feel more like a music video, all this combines to make the viewer feel like he/she is on a trip. Taymor also a great job in using the visuals to convey the perspective and emotions running through the characters and reflecting the general social opinion of that era.

Bono’s cameo was quite impressive. I have to say he does a fantastic job at faking an American accent, acting and, of course, singing.

Overall, I loved this movie. I liked the characters and actually cared about what happened to them. I loved the music, the visuals, everything. It did get a little too weird for me in some places but I was still engrossed. The circus scene with Eddie Izzard as a ring master was a bit creepy, mainly because I’m not a big circus person; clowns freak me out (thank you Stephen King’s “It”).

Go out today and rent it, preferably in Blu-ray as it deserves to be seen in the highest quality possible.