Across the Universe Review

By: Ilyse Liffreing



“Within the lyrics of the world’s most famous songs lives a story that has never been told…until now.” That’s how the official site of the movie described their production. Across the Universe directed by Julie Taymor and starring the acting and singing talents of Evan Rachel Wood and Jim Sturgess, takes the audience to a time in the 1960s when the US is bombarded by war and stormy weather abroad. Instead of having a peaceful life, young men are enlisted into a deadly style of living.

The young lovers in the movie, Jude and Lucy, find each other early on and live closely with their new friends in a New York apartment where they are faced with the pressures and frightening images of war. Here they meet Sadie (Dana Fuchs), JoJo (Martin Luther McCoy), and Prudence (T.V. Carpio). Lucy’s brother Max (Joe Anderson) is soon enlisted and the terrors of war are displayed upon the screen. Therefore, Lucy joins an anti-war movement which turns Jude from her, but they soon discover that “All You Need is Love.”

Although this sweet, captivating story is already dynamic, what makes it even greater is the use of popular Beatles songs written during 1963-1969 by the members of The Beatles. Such stunning classics as “Let it Be,” “Come Together,” “Revolution,” “Hey Jude,” “All You Need is Love,” and many more make up this outstanding soundtrack sung by the actors, Bono, and the Secret Machines. In fact, this movie proves as a great tribute to the historic Beatles, pleasing Beatles fans everywhere.

What some people may not know or miss in the movie is that the whole movie is composed of different Beatles references. For instance, all the characters are named specifically after their songs. (Ex: Jude= “Hey Jude,” Lucy= “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”, and Sadie= “Sexy Sadie”).

Also, the last scene of the movie where Jude is singing on the rooftop represents their last live performance atop their Apple offices in 1969. Plus, Apple Records, which the Beatles founded in 1968, is referenced when Jude tries to draw a green apple and then cuts it in half.

In addition to being visually stunning, the theme is true to heart, that life can be rough but true friends and good memories can get one through the hard times. “Take a sad song and make it better.”