Movie Friday

I had not seen any movies in a while that I thought were really unique or interesting. Nothing was really moving me this year including most of the movies nominated for Academy Awards.

However, I just finished watching Across the Universe and am happy to report it is definitely worth your time. Director Julie Taymor again pushes the creative envelope with a movie musical utilizing the music of the Beatles throughout. Taymor is also responsible for the wildly successful stage version of The Lion King as well as one of my favorite films Frida. I have become such a fan of hers. She always brings such an "out of the box" creativity to her work. In this case, the film follows the progression of a group of friends through the turbulence of the late sixties, the mainstays being Jude and Lucy. Taymor's longtime partner and collaborator Elliott Gould does a masterful job with the arrangement of Beatles music into outstanding vocal performances by the cast. Taymor also cast not quite "A" list performers with amazing vocal ability. The result is a gorgeous vivid portrait which will introduce Beatles music to new generations of fans. The one criticism I have of the film is that, in parts, the psychedelic effects become overwhelming and a bit much to take. I had to take a couple of breaks while watching it so that I could give each scene the full attention it deserved. It was well worth it though.

See this movie whenever you get a chance. Cuidate.