Production Information: Todd, J. Todd, S. & Newirth, C. (Producers) Taymor, J. (Director). (2007). Across the Universe. (DVD). Revolution Studios. Music by The Beatles and Elliot Goldenthal.
Plot Summary: Across the Universe is a colorful story of life in the turbulent sixties. The story starts out in an innocent time in the life of a teenage girl, Lucy. Lucy's boyfriend dies in the Vietnam war but she develops a romantic relationship with Jude, who is from Liverpool, England. Lucy met Jude through her brother Max, who drops out of college and moves to New York. Jude works as a taxi driver and Max is a freelance artist. They live a bohemian lifestyle in Greenwich Village. Their landlady, Saide, is a singer who resembles Janis Joplin. Another resident, Jojo, resembles Jimi Hendrix.
With her band, Sadie and the lot (Lucy, Max, Jude, etc.) visit Doctor Robert (played by Bono), a drug guru. They go on a psychedelically painted bus to a "spiritual" retreat compound of Dr. Frank Geary (allusion to Timothy Leary). Max ends up being drafted and sent to Vietnam. Lucy becomes very involved in the anti-war movement while Jude becomes unhappy with Lucy's involvement.
Critical Evaluation: Across the Universe is as relevant today as it was in the sixties. Think of the Vietnam War and the Iraq War. The visuals are beautiful and the music is beyond moving. The singers take The Beatles' songs to a new level. The movie has so many levels of meaning and references to famous persons of the sixties. An innocent viewer would probably not get all of the drug references (LCD, marijuana) throughout the film, or might be too young to see the similarities of Sadie to Janis Joplin, Bono to Ken Kesey , the meaning of "Helter Skelter" and so on. Yet this film is enjoyable on all levels, from the innocent to the more mature and worldly.
Annotation: Across the Universe is a wonderful journey of life in the turbulent sixties. It has great visuals and music by The Beatles beautifully sung by different artists.
About the Director: Julie Taymor is an American director of theater, opera and film. She directed the stage musical The Lion King and was the first woman to win the Tony Award for directing a musical. A couple of her most famous directorial accomplishments are Frida and The Tempest.
Retrieved February 27, 2010 at: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0853380/bio
Genre: Rock films, Coming-of-Age, Counter Culture, Relationship, Romance.
Curriculum Ties: Social Studies, Drama, Music, Counter Culture.
Talking Points: Take an enlightening and emotional journey back to the sixties with its wonderful music, love and passion.
Rating & Interest Age: PG-13, ages 12 and up.
Challenge Issues: Sex, drugs and rock and roll.
Reason for Inclusion: This film is an artistic endeavor full of history, art, music, compassion and passion for a cause.
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