2008 Woodie Awards
Beatles musical gives new meaning
Critics Column
Amanda Woods
Issue date: 11/1/07 Section: Culture
- Page 1 of 1
"Music is the only thing that makes sense anymore...play it loud enough and it keeps the demons at bay."
That's exactly what the musical drama, "Across the Universe," does while weaving over 30 Beatles songs into the gritty plot.
Taking place in the war-torn era of the 1960s in New York City, a group of confused youths struggle to find their voice amidst the violence and pressures of growing up.
The intense era of anti-war movements and social protests are amplified with the powerful lyrics of the timeless Beatles.
The classic anthem of lovers, "All you need is love," embodies the true essence of the film. The relationships formed stand strong, even though battered by the harsh reality of hate.
Not played as merely background music, the Beatles' songs are sung by every character and somehow reflect the internal thought of each and the tragedy of the time.
The imagery takes the viewer on a psychedelic and drug-tripping ride filled with animation in a dream-like state.
The drama begins when Liverpool native, Jude, travels to America to find his estranged father. After the disheartening encounter, Jude finds himself in the company of Princeton students on the thrill ride of college life.
Jude becomes attached to one student in particular, Max, whose irresponsibility and lack of motivation directs him to drop out of school and move to New York.
The film takes a turn towards romance when Jude falls head-over-heels for Max's sheltered, suburbia sister, Lucy.
The three move to New York City and stay in a apartment with a hodge-podge array of people from every walk of life, from a guitarist, lesbian, singer to an anti-war activist.
As the war in Vietnam rages on and African Americans demand equal rights, the characters have to decide what they believe and how they will change the world.
The war in Vietnam becomes a bitter reality when Max is drafted, after trying countless ways of getting out of it, one of which includes swallowing a cotton ball.
The characters must face their own demon of fighting for what is precious to them. The lovers, Jude and Lucy, break each other's heart trying to stay true to their ideals in the chaotic social construct.
The film proves one thing: there is always something to fight for. Whether it's for love, peace or freedom, there is something to fight for when it is being challenged or threatened to be taken away.
Through the immortal genius of the Beatles, the film calls for an open mind for far out graphics and unusual methods of making a point.
So, no matter what you are fighting for, the world is listening.
That's exactly what the musical drama, "Across the Universe," does while weaving over 30 Beatles songs into the gritty plot.
Taking place in the war-torn era of the 1960s in New York City, a group of confused youths struggle to find their voice amidst the violence and pressures of growing up.
The intense era of anti-war movements and social protests are amplified with the powerful lyrics of the timeless Beatles.
The classic anthem of lovers, "All you need is love," embodies the true essence of the film. The relationships formed stand strong, even though battered by the harsh reality of hate.
Not played as merely background music, the Beatles' songs are sung by every character and somehow reflect the internal thought of each and the tragedy of the time.
The imagery takes the viewer on a psychedelic and drug-tripping ride filled with animation in a dream-like state.
The drama begins when Liverpool native, Jude, travels to America to find his estranged father. After the disheartening encounter, Jude finds himself in the company of Princeton students on the thrill ride of college life.
Jude becomes attached to one student in particular, Max, whose irresponsibility and lack of motivation directs him to drop out of school and move to New York.
The film takes a turn towards romance when Jude falls head-over-heels for Max's sheltered, suburbia sister, Lucy.
The three move to New York City and stay in a apartment with a hodge-podge array of people from every walk of life, from a guitarist, lesbian, singer to an anti-war activist.
As the war in Vietnam rages on and African Americans demand equal rights, the characters have to decide what they believe and how they will change the world.
The war in Vietnam becomes a bitter reality when Max is drafted, after trying countless ways of getting out of it, one of which includes swallowing a cotton ball.
The characters must face their own demon of fighting for what is precious to them. The lovers, Jude and Lucy, break each other's heart trying to stay true to their ideals in the chaotic social construct.
The film proves one thing: there is always something to fight for. Whether it's for love, peace or freedom, there is something to fight for when it is being challenged or threatened to be taken away.
Through the immortal genius of the Beatles, the film calls for an open mind for far out graphics and unusual methods of making a point.
So, no matter what you are fighting for, the world is listening.
