Who doesn't want to see Halle Berry playing an old Chinese man?
DIRECTOR: The Wachowski brothers? And Tom Tykwer
CAST: Forrest Gump, the worst Catwoman, Professor Slughorn, Agent Smith, hipster Q and Bridget Jones' lover or something or other...
PLOT: Inter-transitioning short films are all linked by heroes and villains who's past decisions affect the future and everything's linked and reincarnation and shit. It's actually much simpler to just play the 'Inception' noise - here's the link: http://inception.davepedu.com
The whole concept of reviewing this film is mind-boggling to me. After one viewing I can confidently say that I didn't fully understand it. I probably didn't even half understand it. And yet, I don't feel like a dip-shit. That's because the premise of this film is deep on so many levels, exploring the themes of religion, reincarnation, good & evil, space & time, and just about everything else that you can imagine. The inevitable second viewing still won't give me a full understanding and a third viewing probably won't either. Maybe I should read the book... NEXT JOKE!
No, in all seriousness, I do actually want to read the book now.
And I want to go back to the cinema to see this again! But unfortunately I won't because I'm skint. But if I had it my way, I certainly would. Simply because 'Cloud Atlas' was an impressive phenomenon of cinema and storytelling.
As someone who isn't the Wachowski's biggest fan (this is my favourite film from them to date), beforehand I was a bit cautious in putting three hours of my life in their hands.
With the help of Tykwer, 'Cloud Atlas' has proved to be one of the most visually stunning films of recent memory. It is shot beautifully, whether in the underwear crapping CGI heights of Neo Seoul, or the simplistic charms of a present-day nursing home - everything looks gorgeous. Even if the plot of the film is melting your braincells, at least take solace in the fact that this is visual masterwork, and let yourself become lost amongst the brilliant set-pieces.
But any film that looks this good needs performances to accompany it, so what better to employ an ensemble with as much talent as this one. But even with all the talent involved, the performances must have still been a test of their qualities. The film is groundbreaking on so many levels, including it's performances, as all of the members of the main cast play multiple characters, and cross sex and racial boundaries. There's not many films that give you the opportunity to see Hugo Weaving in drag.
The vast majority of the performances, despite the challenge they must have been, are top drawer. Tom Hanks is near-perfect as usual playing villain and hero, Hugo Weaving is fantastic playing man and woman and even Hugh Grant does a good job playing himself as a snob and probably not himself as a cannibal. The weakest link would be Halle Berry, but it's a great performance still when compared to her usual standards. Also, Ben Whishaw, of 'Skyfall' fame, is a surprise contender for best actor in there. Well, he was until Jim Broadbent stole the show and had to escape an old people's home.
'Cloud Atlas' is bound to split people down the middle, such is the nature of the piece. It sometimes tries to be a bit too meaningful for its own good, almost bordering on pretentiousness, as voiceovers talk at you with the help of a thesaurus. But most of the time meaning, or at least the attempt of meaning, is welcomed. It's accompanied by some very funny moments, great action sequences and strong human drama. The running time is a test and concentration may waver now and then, but if you stick with it you may very well be rewarded with one of the most interesting experiences a film has to offer.
Everyone involved in the existence of this film deserves credit, even if you don't like the final product. It's a film that many deemed 'unfilmable', about a story that will piss a lot of people off due to its sheer scale, made with a budget borrowed from a host of different peoples, featuring amazing VFX and actors with multiple roles. It didn't go down a storm with the US public but it has now deservedly made more money than what it cost to make. We should be thankful for this, as films that attempt to break barriers are a gift - even if you didn't enjoy this particular one. Filmmakers should be encouraged to test themselves as well as their audiences and 'Cloud Atlas' may go a long way in doing that.
* * * ½
