Watched Across the Universe today. I regret ever saying I couldn't wait to see it. It was awful, trite, and offended me on multiple levels. The movie had the audacity to ruin all of my favorite Beatles songs and turn the 1960's into an 2 hour episode of Degrassi. I don't know what was worse: the spoon-fed literalness of everything or the PG-13 clean cut approach to one of the most influential decades 0f the 20th century?Go rent Hair (1979) and Moulin Rouge (2001) because they are worthy of love and admiration. Both are examples of inovative movie musicals. Hair accurately portrays the anti-war movement and pushes the envelope. Moulin Rouge uses popular music in just the right way (examples include the music of T.Rex, David Bowie, Elton John, Madonna, Queen, Nirvana, and U2). I never thought I would say this but, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1978) starring Peter Frampton and the Bee Gees was more inventive and fun to watch. Also, I want to scold Bono and Joe Cocker for making cameos in Across the Universe. Bad Bono...bad.
Side Note: My parents grew up in the 60's. They were part of the sexual revolution, experimented with drugs, and were impacted by civil rights. My mother had long hippie-like hair and smoked joints during lunchtime. My father served in Vietnam from '64-'65. So, I sort of know what I'm talking about as far as integrity is concerned.
The writer and director had a good idea: use beautiful life changing music as a basis to describe a certain era. But they failed. Horribly. I'm sure their hearts were in the right place but they should have Let It Be.
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