109 Sheffield
Saline, Michigan, 48176
September 21, 2014
Julie Taymor
1801 Century Park East
Los Angeles, California, 90067
Dear Ms. Taymor:
Hello, I'm Hannah. I really just wanted to congratulate you on your success with Across the Universe. I know this may be a bit belated, but if I were to ever meet you, I think I'd cry. This movie is cause for celebration.
The use of classical Beatles music in your film is what first intrigued me, and I was not disappointed. Each line of the musical score selected is relevant. Your skillful use of visual art during the musical interludes are impactful and beautiful. Many scenes will stick with me for a long time, especially the one where Max goes in to try and avoid the draft. I think the dancing is effective, and sorting the soldiers through machines was simply inspired. I wish I could communicate to you in a better way of how smart you are to include the things you included.
Going along with the music are the artists and actors you chose to play your characters. The voices are all perfect, singing in tribute to the Beatles, but also strong enough to stand on their own. Brilliant, Ms. Taymor is the fact that you didn't stand for one voice in your film; there were allusions to Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin! I listen to the soundtrack often. Beautiful, beautiful.
Not only is your movie beautifully artistic, but it gives a voice to the Vietnamese War has stuck with me. You display the troubles of both being at home during the war and in the thick of it. It is very touching and powerful. Honestly, I think that your movie has made me sympathize with the time period, and understand the time period much more than any lecture I could have listened to (and I really enjoy history lectures- no joke). Because of the obvious effort and heart that you have put into this movie, the Vietnamese War has a special interest for me.
Across the Universe is one of my all-time favorite movies. It is as powerful as the first each time I see it. I use it for school projects as often as I can, because it's magnificent, Ms. Taymor. I just want to say thank you. It is a true gift to watch your film. I wish you the best with all your future endeavors.
Thank you,
Hannah Marie Burkhart
Hannah, this is very well-written! Your first and second points could relate more to the reasons we discussed in class (the list I gave you), but you do a great job discussing historical significance in the third paragraph. Also, your love for film really shines through your writing. Good job overall!
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