Marina Kellen French Film Screening

Movie Matineé: Across the Universe

Across the Universe (2007) taps into the Beatles’ impressive, iconic catalog to tell the personal love story of Jude (Jim Sturgess) and Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood) against the backdrop of the generational story of the 1960s amid the turbulent years of anti-war protest, mind exploration and rock n’ roll.

The film moves from the dockyards of Liverpool to the creative psychedelia of Greenwich Village, from the riot-torn streets of Detroit to the killing fields of Vietnam. As the two lovers, along with a small group of friends and musicians, embark on their journey of self-discovery and romance, they are swept up in the cultural and political turbulence of the era.
Across the Universe features visually stunning musical numbers that incorporate elements of psychedelic imagery and avant-garde art and captures the spirit of the 1960s, while also exploring timeless themes of love and social justice. It was nominated for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy Award.

Director Julie Taymor will be present to introduce the movie and answer audience questions after the showing.

Julie Taymor is an Academy Award-nominated and Emmy and Tony Award-winning director, whose productions range from musicals and Shakespearean theater to classical operas and films. Her Broadway production of The Lion King debuted in 1997 and received 11 Tony Award nominations, winning Best Musical; Taymor received the award for Best Director and Costume Designer. In 2022, she served as jury president for the Tokyo International Film Festival and also co-wrote and directed the feature film of Gloria Steinem’s My Life on the Road, starring Julianne Moore. Her other works includes Titus, Across the Universe, and The Tempest as well as stage and opera productions like Grounded and Die Zauberflöte.