KingVoyeur
09-29-2007, 04:45 PM
An original movie musical focusing on a group of friends from different walks of life living in the turbulent times of the 60's, using around 40 songs by the Beatles.
I have to say, this is definitely one of the more imaginative films I've seen in a while. Director Julie Taymor (Frida) artfully intertwines drama, fantasy, passion, and humor into a deep and moving film, skillfully intergrating songs by the Beatles, from "Let It Be" to "Helter Skelter" to "Strawberry Fields Forever" to "Love Is All You Need." Sometimes almost all of a song is sung, sometimes just a few lines, but each song is perfect for the moment and blends in seamlessly. Considering how well-known almost all of these songs are, I didn't hear anyone giggle when a character bursts into song, it was so well done.
The acting is superb, especially a turn by Dana Fuchs as a Janis Joplin-esque singer named Sadie. Everyone does their own singing, and I liked every person in the film. Also, look for great cameos by Bono (as a hippie philosopher), Eddie Izzard (as a circus ringleader during a psychadelic tripout) and Salma Hayek (as a multiplying nurse in a VA hospital).
A+, thumbs up, five stars, whichever term you want to use, this film was fantastic. It's a love story, but it never gets sappy. It's a protest movie, but it never gets preachy. It's a musical, but the characters bursting into song never seems out of place. I hope it gets some kind of nod during awards season. Highly recommended.
I have to say, this is definitely one of the more imaginative films I've seen in a while. Director Julie Taymor (Frida) artfully intertwines drama, fantasy, passion, and humor into a deep and moving film, skillfully intergrating songs by the Beatles, from "Let It Be" to "Helter Skelter" to "Strawberry Fields Forever" to "Love Is All You Need." Sometimes almost all of a song is sung, sometimes just a few lines, but each song is perfect for the moment and blends in seamlessly. Considering how well-known almost all of these songs are, I didn't hear anyone giggle when a character bursts into song, it was so well done.
The acting is superb, especially a turn by Dana Fuchs as a Janis Joplin-esque singer named Sadie. Everyone does their own singing, and I liked every person in the film. Also, look for great cameos by Bono (as a hippie philosopher), Eddie Izzard (as a circus ringleader during a psychadelic tripout) and Salma Hayek (as a multiplying nurse in a VA hospital).
A+, thumbs up, five stars, whichever term you want to use, this film was fantastic. It's a love story, but it never gets sappy. It's a protest movie, but it never gets preachy. It's a musical, but the characters bursting into song never seems out of place. I hope it gets some kind of nod during awards season. Highly recommended.