The Divisive Beatles Movie Musical Is Finding New Appreciation on Social Media
The Beatles have been labeled as one of the most influential bands of all time. And if you watch movies like Danny Boyle’s Yesterday, that point is made clear in a messy way. This article is not about Yesterday, I promise. It’s about Across the Universe.
The 2007 film from Julie Taymor uses the music of the Beatles to tell the story of Jude (Jim Sturgess). He moves to America, meets Max (Joe Anderson) and his sister Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood) and the rest is a magical mystery tour of a film. But not everyone is a “fan” of the movie musical.
Recently, a video of Max being drafted into the Vietnam war has been making the rounds on social media. Using the song “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” by the band, it is weird and scary and beautiful all rolled into one. While many are watching the scene and interested in the film, many are using the viral moment to share their thoughts on Across the Universe.
One fan wrote “People will tell you this movie is bad. They are lying.” And it is the truth! Yes, people don’t like the film for valid reasons but it is a beautiful and original jukebox movie musical and I think that’s important to celebrate. Especially when Taymor and company did an incredible job weaving in the songs and lore of the band in with the film.
Using Sadie? Brilliant! Prudence’s cover of “I Want to Hold Your Hand” is one of my favorite things in this movie! So much of what makes it special is how the film highlights the musicality and storytelling within a song by the Beatles and so if people try to tell you to “not” watch Across the Universe, don’t listen to them.
(featured image: Columbia Pictures)
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