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Monday, April 02, 2012

B: Beatles - Across the Universe

I'm continuing the music theme - and, apparently, the movie theme. Musicals are, for me, difficult to digest. I mean, I've seen "Help", "A Hard Day's Night" - and am even aware of the "Tragical History Tour" by the Rutles :-)

But why on earth should people be walking along, and then (with a full orchestra backing them) burst into song?

I recall watching an interview with Hugh Jackman wherein he mentioned the director of Oklahoma telling the cast that they weren't allowed repeat the lines of the song, unless they could convey a clear reason for doing so - "There's a bright golden haze on the meadow, there's a..."

Not an easy task.

In "Across the Universe" (which would have been a good A-day entry) Julie Taymor gets the cast to sing Beatles songs - and they FIT! By the way, the cast really does their own singing.

Imagine a movie where "Happiness is a warm gun" actually works as a piece of dialogue. And "So, you say you want a revolution..." and has a character, Prudence, who comes in through the bathroom window (well, why wouldn't she?) and sings of another young woman - "...let me be your man..."

Add in that the two main characters are named Jude and Lucy - a girl who came to stay - and you know where it's all going.

If you are any sort of a Beatles fan, this is a great movie. If you enjoy a good love story (isn't love all you need?) and some great music, songs and singers (did I mention Bono and Joe Cocker?) this is for you.

Enjoy!

20 comments:

  1. This was a great movie... I love how they arranged the songs

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    1. Yes - they did a terrific job.

      Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

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  2. I am going to have to check this out. The Beatles are one of my all time faves :-).

    ~2

    Oh by the way, I always feel the need to burst out in song.

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    1. You'll enjoy it ~2, I just know you will.

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  3. Great post! I'll have to check out that film!

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    1. Do check it out - it's a great story as well as having a killer soundtrack.

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  4. I love this movie, I've watched it twice recently! ^__^ I loved your post too!

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    1. It's great, isn't it? I'm currently listening to the soundtrack at work - writin' SQL with rhythm! :D

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  5. I've never heard of this movie...but I live under a rock, so that's not surprising. It certainly sounds unique!

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    1. It's a great movie, Laura - perhaps you have had it piped down to you there, below your rock?

      :D

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  6. I've always wanted to see this movie but my husband, who isn't a Beatles fan, has no desire. I guess I'm going to have to sneak it in. Heck, he watched Twilight with me. What could be worse than that?
    Blog Twitter #atozchallenge

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    1. I think you're husband might be surprised - and no Beatles appear in this movie :)

      I'd keep working on him, were I you.

      Thanks for the comment.

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  7. Ha laughing at the picture if the orchestra followed the person breaking into song
    It was a great movie
    thanks for the visit
    watch out or A to Z might break into song

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    1. Glad you enjoyed the movie - and thank you for visiting.

      I'm having fun with this challenge.

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  8. Oh, this is one of my all-time favorite songs and this was such a great movie. I am usually not a fan of musicals either, and had to laugh at your comment about people bursting into song as that is my problem with them LOL.

    Glad to meet you through the A-Z!

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    1. Glad you enjoyed the entry, Julie. Yes - it's a favorite movie of mine. I just wish they'd make the full soundtrack available on CD.

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  9. I really need to see this one. I remember wanting to when it originally came out and then I never got the chance. Will put it on my netflix list. :)

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    1. Do so, you won't regret it. Thanks for the comment.

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  10. This is absolutely my favorite movie. In fact, I am going to listen to the soundtrack right now!

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    1. Enjoy - though I don't think the full soundtrack is on CD. Which is a great pity.

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