Andy and Lana Wachowski made the hugely successful and influential sci-fi film 'The Matrix'. Sadly they have not managed to live up the success of that film, especially with its sequels. I think they are brilliant film makers but have not found the right material to work with. Tom Tykwer made the iconic film 'Run Lola Run'. He has had modest success since then. He made an adaptation of one of my favourite books 'Perfume: The Story Of A Murderer' into an excellent film. I think their teaming up to adapt 'Cloud Atlas' is a major achievement. It is amazing that the film got made. If you read movie news as much as I do you come to learn that major film studios like to play it safe. They do not like to take risks with films. It is perfectly natural to expect that when you are investing huge sums of money that you want a significant return on your investment. Which is why we are inundated with films based on books, comic books, and other familiar characters. The thinking is that the movie going public will go with what is safe and what they know. Which brings us to 'Cloud Atlas'. Although it is based on a popular book, it is a huge story that is hard to define with many characters. It would need a big budget to fully realize it. Even though Warner Brothers name is on the film there is a significant amount of the budget that came from international investors. So on the surface it would seem that this film should never have been made, but thankfully it was.
As mentioned above, most of the big budget films we get are based on comic books or other material. While not to detract from those films, they do not explore issues and themes like those in 'Cloud Atlas'. This film is an amazing achievement. I was totally blown away by how good the film is. Andy, Lana and Tom have made a huge epic film that is not only spectacular but clever and thought provoking as well. The film looks as many themes as issues as various plots play out over various times in history. I admit that it might seem too much to take in all at once but the directors have managed to make the film really entertaining as well. At no stage did I feel bored. I especially liked the way the film was edited and the way they cut betwen the different stories. I was able to keep up with what was going on at all times. Plus sometimes they edited between stories where the plotline had similar action going on in spectacular fashion. The film also looks visually stunning too. There is great use of special effects for many stories that help accentuate the plot. Also with some actors playing multiple roles there is a great of make-up on display. You would hardly recognize some of the actors in their various roles.
Speaking of actors, the directors have assembled an excellent team. Tom Hanks is his usual brilliant self. I particularly liked his futuristic/primitive storyline. Halle Berry is also excellent, especially in some of the roles where she is heavily made up. Ben Wishaw is sort of like the emotional core of the film with a storyline that is very heartbreaking. I'm still not a fan of Jim Sturgess. He is good here but not great enough for me to forgive him for past terrible roles. Doona Bae is brilliant in her major storyline and proves very sympathetic. Hugo Weaving is the master of disguise in this film with many minor roles where you would hardly recognize him. Susan Sarandon also has a small but effective presence. The biggest surprise for me was Hugh Grant. Hugh is mostly known for his light romantic comedy roles and on several occasions has threatened to retire. But then he comes along and does a film like this. He is simply brilliant. I think I was blown away because you just don't expect him to do a film like this. His different roles are brilliant and he is a real chameleon as you would hardly recognize him sometimes.
A film for those who think that all big budget films need to be mindless specticles. A brilliant piece of film making that needs to be seen on the big screen if you get the chance.
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