Last Wednesday night, I had the most amazing experience. I saw Julie Taymor’s "Across the Universe," a film that revolves around the generationally transcendent music of The Beatles. I came out of the movie theater positively euphoric and profoundly moved. The reason that I was inclined to post about this film is because of how closely it corresponds with our philosophy at Rosanna and with the products we create.Of course, the most immediately striking thing about the film is the delicious aesthetics. Julie Taymor's recreation of 1960’s America is an intricate visual banquet, equal parts beauty, wonder, and nostalgia. The color palettes are varied and rich as you are swept along on a journey starting in Small Town, USA to the swirling, revolutionary, painful, and chaotic atmosphere of New York City in the throes of the Vietnam War era.
However, Across The Universe is not solely gorgeous imagery. There is a real heart beneath the surface of the film, a presence that's felt right from the opening scene. This film has soul. There is an innate hopefulness for the salvation of the world that runs through it.
The marriage of the soul and the visual in this film reminded me so much of how we think at Rosanna. We create products that are lovely to look at, but there is always more than just the design to each of our collections.
Across the Universe also contains an important message. We must continue to be curious, questioning, and aware of what is happening in the world around us, even when it changes so quickly we feel that we cannot keep up. Human connection, compassion, creativity, self-expression, and protest of unjust, dishonest, and damaging actions are all vital components of a healthy and harmonious global community.
At Rosanna, we strive to do our part in the small ways we can to make the world a better place to live. Our Spring 2008 Collection encourages social awareness with a new line of recycled Mexican glass, as well as with several other collections whose proceeds will be donated to a selection of environmental and human relief projects.
If you haven’t yet seen Across the Universe, take an evening to see this remarkable piece of art. It will remind you that Jon, Paul, George, and Ringo had it right, “All you need is love.”
Click here to see the film’s trailer.
www.rosannainc.com
Thanks for the heads up about this movie. I had seen the previews which piqued my curiosity, but now I will be sure to see it. Anything with Beatles music has to have at least some interest. I know I date myself when I say that I was in fourth grade when they made their pop chart debut. My parents thought they were just awful, and so of course I did too, until I saw A Hard Days Night with some friends. I fell hard into teenybopper idolatry then, but their music kept my interest even when I grew up. I still think their musical achievements are remarkable, and remember very well the shock I felt when John Lennon was killed. I will be intrigued to see how Across the Universe handles those chaotic times.
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