Across the Universe

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[Syl]
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Post by [Syl] »

Normally I'm the same way about musicals. I see no reason for people to suddenly burst into song, especially since it doesn't seem to add anything to the story line, the only exception I can think of being Sweeny Todd (and while the movie was good, I preferred the play. not even sure I'd have liked the movie if I hadn't seen the play first). There it seemed like the music was their way of reaching into the minds of the characters.

In Across the Universe, the music is half the story (but 3/4 of the impact). In fact, I'd say there's almost three movies running simultaneously - the narrative, the music, and the imagery, the imagery being the bridge between the two. When the story is in the forefront, it's all real. There aren't any of the surreal images like flashbacks, viewpoint juxtapositions, psychadelic flourishes, or choreography (flying football players, yay!). But when the music comes in, it's like it's saying 'Ok, don't take this literally.' I really enjoyed that about the film, but probably wouldn't have approached it that way if I hadn't been baked to the nines. Normally seeing someone playing the air drums to the soundtrack would take me right out of it, but it worked in the context.

I would like to add, though, that while Lucy sings quite well, she can't act. Not sure about Max, but Jude was pretty good in Fifty Dead Men Walking (about the IRA, with Ben Kingsley to boot).
"It is not the literal past that rules us, save, possibly, in a biological sense. It is images of the past. Each new historical era mirrors itself in the picture and active mythology of its past or of a past borrowed from other cultures. It tests its sense of identity, of regress or new achievement against that past.”
-George Steiner
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dANdeLION
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Post by dANdeLION »

Menolly wrote: ...and I know Hyperception would rather drop before this than get baked...



8O
Dandelion don't tell no lies
Dandelion will make you wise
Tell me if she laughs or cries
Blow away dandelion


I'm afraid there's no denying
I'm just a dandelion
a fate I don't deserve.


High priest of THOOOTP

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Menolly
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Post by Menolly »

dANdeLION wrote:
Menolly wrote: ...and I know Hyperception would rather drop before this than get baked...



8O
...still holds true.
:twisted:
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dANdeLION
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Post by dANdeLION »

Well, I for one do not believe in using drugs.





Unless they're the ones that give you the munchies.......
Dandelion don't tell no lies
Dandelion will make you wise
Tell me if she laughs or cries
Blow away dandelion


I'm afraid there's no denying
I'm just a dandelion
a fate I don't deserve.


High priest of THOOOTP

:hobbes: *

* This post carries Jay's seal of approval
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Menolly
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Post by Menolly »

dANdeLION wrote:Well, I for one do not believe in using drugs.





Unless they're the ones that give you the munchies.......
*giggle*

Well...
I for one won't use any until Beorn is out of the house.
The last time I've used any was six months before I conceived. And since at the time I didn't believe I could conceive and wasn't really not doing anything in case I did, it only strengthens our belief that Beorn was our miracle.
So, while it is a preference, it ain't gonna happen for a long time...
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Menolly
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Post by Menolly »

Finally watched this while staying overnight in the hospital. So, if recovering from anesthesia could be considered being baked, then yeah, I was in that place. kinda...

Anyway, story wise the movie reminded me a lot of Hair. Especially the innocent going off to war part.
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