'Across the Universe' screening at the Fox Theatre on Friday night
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 08.21.2008
Julie Taymor's wildly imaginative 2007 film, "Across the Universe," works wonders if you focus on the music and don't get hung up on the inane attempt at a storyline.
Taymor, the dance/theater genius who staged Disney's "The Lion King" on Broadway, creates a visual trip and a half that's built around fresh, invigorating renditions of Beatles songs. The Vietnam War-era story, such as it is, centers on the romance between a young upper-class American (Evan Rachel Wood) and a poor artist from Liverpool (Jim Sturgess).
Although most of the musical performances are incredible (more than 30 Beatles songs are heard), the overall effect is not on the same level as Cirque du Soleil's "Love," the Fab Four-inspired masterpiece now running in Las Vegas.
"Across the Universe" screens at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Fox Tucson Theatre, Downtown.