AUTHOR: JOSH HAUTH

Since the promotions for Across the Universe began months ago, I have been among the many who’ve anxiously awaited its arrival in theaters. Not only was I impressed with the renowned cast and director, but also with the visual feats shown in the film’s trailer. It wasn’t until seeing the movie that I realized my error. Although it was an imagination-filled marvel, the characters and storyline were much too predictable and fell incredibly short of my expectations.
The story begins when Jude, played by newcomer Jim Sturgess, travels to the United States and finds himself immersed in a fantasy counter-culture that flourishes with socially radical ideals, diverse artistic media and opportunities for love. Paired with Lucy, played by Evan Rachel Wood, Jude’s journey is set against a uniquely evolved catalog of Beatles song covers. While the lengthy musical attempts to dissuade its audience from focusing solely on the love-driven plot, it is the only thing I noticed. If Across the Universe were stripped of its extreme, passionate visual antics it would just be another lackluster love story.
Although most of the song-filled vignettes were extremely cheesy, they were pretty entertaining. Director Julie Taymor, who is also known for such works as 2002’s Frida and 1999’s Titus, used various methods to entertain her audience. One part in the film, for example, suggests that the characters trip on acid. Although Taymor’s use of inverted colors to relay the experience was much too predictable, it was enjoyable. The conventional nature of the sequencing of this film stripped it of almost all of its creative value and high acclaim as an approach to modern filmmaking.
The characters sing their way through war opposition, lovemaking and exploring their inner artist. But how many ways can that be conveyed? For just over two hours, viewers get to see the same scene over and over again. Loud splashes of color may surprise many, but if you think about the trite and underdeveloped story, you’ll see this film for its failed ambition. The illogical vision of the director paired with a profoundly clichéd view of the 60’s make this film mediocre. If you’re on a serious Beatles binge, skip this mistaken musical for something of worth.