Across the Universe is a creative musical based on The Beatles songbook. The film features six young adults who transplant themselves to New York City during the politically pivotal time of the early 1960’s. The two key characters are Jude, an artistic illegal immigrant, and Lucy, an upper-class college student.
Their stories are told in an abstract, highly theatrical, risqué and well-choreographed presentation. Subtle Beatle’s references are scattered throughout the film; ranging from song-lyric inspired lines to the concluding song, All You Need is Love, which takes place on a rooftop.
Endorsed and consulted by Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and Yoko Ono; the musical stays very true to the original artistic intentions.
Themes such as the tense political climate of the time, The Vietnam War, the struggle for free speech and civil rights, anti-war protests, drug experimentation and the sexual revolution define the world in which the story takes place.
Narrowly escaping an R-rating, some might find the themes to be a bit controversial.
My take on provocative art is this; let it stir you. Think about why it disconcerts you, consider why you feel that way; and your work is done. You are free to hate it, love it, mildly disagree... It could even change your opinion. I don’t think that art necessarily has to be a trippy-hippie paradigm of accepting everything (Unless if that is your prerogative). I feel that giving a controversial subject thought and sharpening or changing an opinion is an empowering, underrated experience.
Their stories are told in an abstract, highly theatrical, risqué and well-choreographed presentation. Subtle Beatle’s references are scattered throughout the film; ranging from song-lyric inspired lines to the concluding song, All You Need is Love, which takes place on a rooftop.
Endorsed and consulted by Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and Yoko Ono; the musical stays very true to the original artistic intentions.
Themes such as the tense political climate of the time, The Vietnam War, the struggle for free speech and civil rights, anti-war protests, drug experimentation and the sexual revolution define the world in which the story takes place.
Narrowly escaping an R-rating, some might find the themes to be a bit controversial.
My take on provocative art is this; let it stir you. Think about why it disconcerts you, consider why you feel that way; and your work is done. You are free to hate it, love it, mildly disagree... It could even change your opinion. I don’t think that art necessarily has to be a trippy-hippie paradigm of accepting everything (Unless if that is your prerogative). I feel that giving a controversial subject thought and sharpening or changing an opinion is an empowering, underrated experience.
Sorry. I went off on a tangent again.
Across the Universe.
It's great.
Go watch it.
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