Tom Hanks and Halle Berry pair up to make an unlikely team in the much-anticipated “Cloud Atlas.” The mystical tale follows a complex and aesthetically beautiful story as the time jumps to multiple locations: 1944 in the Pacific Ocean, 1934 in Europe, 1974 in California, 2014 in London and 2144 in Hawaii. In an attempt to bring back to the glory days of “The Matrix,” Lana (formally Larry) and Andy Wachowski create a visually stunning piece of work. The film was in production for nearly six years and cost a reportedly $100 million to create the breathtaking visuals.
While the plot is complex, the tagline says it all; “Cloud Atlas” is “An exploration of how the actions of individual lives impact one another in the past, present and future, as one soul is shaped from a killer into a hero, and an act of kindness ripples across centuries to inspire a revolution.” Confused yet?
It might be a bit difficult to keep up with the multiple plotlines, so make sure to pay attention to every detail of this film.
The film is based on the novel of the same name published in 2004 by David Mitchell. “Cloud Atlas” is Mitchell’s third novel, a Man Booker Prize finalist.
The Wachowski duo never fails to provide something incredible to look at. The pair were the writers, directors and producers of “Speed Racer” and “The Matrix Triology.” They were also the producers on “Ninja Assassin” and wrote and produced for “V for Vendetta.” With the help of writer/director Tom Tykwer, the Wachowski brothers created wonderful special effects and art direction that are drop- dead gorgeous. After all, the movie received a 10-minute standing ovation at the Toronto Film Festival.
Every actor plays a completely different character in each time period, so the talent had to be top notch. A-list stars, like Hanks, Berry, Hugo Weaving, Susan Sarandon and Jim Strugees take over the screen as they each step into four unique roles. Weaving’s chilling monologues and heart-felt music keep the story going, while audiences attempt to connect to the rapid changes in environment.
Hanks plays Zachry, a tribesman in a post-apocalyptic Hawaii who comes face to face with a life-threatening plague. Berry and the other actors play different characters in various time periods, driving home the point of the film, that everything is connected. Berry plays Meronym, Zachry’s companion as well as Luisa Rey, a journalist in the late 20th century.
“Cloud Atlas” brings up questions about the human condition, what it means to be alive and what legacy we will leave behind once we are gone.
Although the film appears to be family friendly, it has received an R rating for multiple reasons, so do not bring small children to see this film.
However, those who enjoy non-linear narratives will definitely enjoy this film. Even though “Cloud Atlas” premiered in the third slot during its opening weekend, under “Argo” and “Hotel Transylvania,” the film still captures audiences with its compelling narrative structure and breathtaking visual aspects.
