Ryan McNeilFair warning: These two reaction posts will deal very little with the actual plot of the films, since I have a lot to get to at this wicked-late hour…
Back in May, I first saw the amazing trailer for Julie Taymor’s ACROSS THE UNIVERSE (* * *). From that moment, I knew I had to see it, and as soon as TIFF announced that it would be one of the galas, I knew I’d be picking it. It was a slight waste of a pick, since it arrives in theatres just one week after TIFF ends, but I really thought it was the sort of film I’d like to see with a festival-going crowd. My only hope was a simple one – “I’m really looking forward to this movie – please God, don’t let it suck”.
Thankfully, I’m happy to say that the film was everything I hoped it would be. Elaborate visuals, energetic staging, and of course, great music. The sequences for “Come Together”, “Let it Be” and “I Want You” stood out for me more than the others, and I promise I will talk about them all in a review next week.
The audience was spirited, and if my ears didn’t deceive me, the balcony was singing along with the final song. They gave a round of applause here and there, but I guess that’s inevitable watching what feels like a stage musical. After the screening, director Julie Taymore stuck around to field a rather in-depth q&a. Not so in-depth as far as the questions were concerned, but every answer she gave was thought out, technical, and very informative. Truth be told, I don’t think any of her answers lasted less than five minutes.
The movie hits theatres on September 21st – go see it.