By KALEY GILBERT
Six different, interconnected stories spanning from 1849 to 2346 is the ambitious undertaking that is Cloud Atlas. Probably one of the most innovative movies of the year, if not ever, this film is a feast for the eyes.
Based on David Mitchell’s 2004 novel of the same title, this project was a huge bite to chew from the start. Mitchell himself deemed his book “unfilmable” as he thought the story too complex. It took three directors to complete the job, Lana and Andy Wachowski, famous for The Matrix franchise, and Tom Tykwer, known for Run Lola Run. The stories are so complex that all three directors separately directed each of the six. The film also has an impressive resume of actors, Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Jim Broadbent and Hugh Grant, to name a few and, and all the actors were cast in multiple roles.
The special effects were breathtaking, truly an art form. The scenes of the future were so realistic (well as realistic as 2144 and 2346 can be) and illustrate just how far digital effects and CGI have come. What the makeup and prosthetics were able to achieve was an unrecognizable face of some of Hollywood’s most well known actors. This allowed the actors total freedom to become a different person in each of their roles. The acting was on par with the effects. Hanks and Berry had amazing chemistry, as two separate sets of characters. Jim Broadbent (Harry Potter) was hilarious as Timothy Cavendish an out-of-luck publisher but completely transformed into a cold and arrogant, aging composer as Vyvyan Ayrs. Lesser known Doona Bae (The Host) gave a captivating and tragic performance as Sonmi-451, an exploited clone seeking justice in the totalitarian future. Another favorite was Ben Whishaw (Criminal Justice) as Robert Frobisher an amanuensis to Vyvan the composer. His eloquent narrative always captured attention.
Vividly fascinating in some parts, saddening and shocking in others, this film was anything but boring. This movie is not for everyone. Many viewers will lose patience halfway through and some might not be able to handle the complicated weave of stories. But if one is willing to go on a journey and have the patience to sit through an almost three hour movie, then at the very least, visually this does not disappoint. However, even if the story is lost on some, everyone can definitely appreciate this movie for what it created: stunning visuals and transformations. The special effects and acting were out of this world, literally. Ultimately the movie imparts an overall theme of tolerance and that a simple act of kindness really can make a world of difference.
Cloud Atlas- 4 stars. Action filled scenes make movie worth attending multiple times.
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 2 hours, 43 minutes
Opened: 10/26/12