Cloud Atlas (2012)

Poster byWORKS ADV

"Cloud Atlas" is a science fiction film directed by Lana and Andy Wachowskis and Tom Tykwer. The film takes places over generations and ages and realities and dreams and fantasies. The film stars Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Ben Whishaw, and Xun Zhou.

"Cloud Atlas" does not follow a linear story line in that it recounts the tale of a main character in straightforward fashion. Instead it cuts back and forth between characters and these characters individual tales. The film has many main characters across various eras and times. The stories of these characters at first seem to be standalone stories, but by the end of the film it becomes apparent that all the stories are somehow connected in one way or another. Something interesting about the film: the actors did not only play one role, but played many roles over all the different narratives.

What I found most intriguing about this film was it's use of storytelling. Each character passed through their story as if they singlehandedly controlled their own destiny. As the narrative progressed, however, it became apparent to the viewer, as well as the character, how very untrue this mentality was. The characters were no more in control of their own life as they could be in control of another humans life. The film was more about the codependency of a race, of a group of people, of a couple than anything else. It became clear that each character and their existence was only made possible by the reliance on others. The message of the film, often repeated by the characters across story lines, was that everyone is connected. Characters who lived in a Neo Soeul in 2114 were dependent on those characters who lived in Victorian England, and so on and so forth.

If I were to have a complaint about this film, however, it would be directly related to one of the story lines followed. Tom Hanks and Halle Berry both star in in one tale titled "The Hawaiian Islands on post apocalyptic earth (dated 2321)." My largest complaint was primarily the dialogue and how it was spoken. The lines given to the actors was written in a severe reconstruction of the English language, a new vernacular of sorts for those on earth who survived the apocalypse. Whenever this story was on screen, I had a hard time paying attention due to the fact that I couldn't understand a word that was being spoken. This drew me out of the film experience, which is one of my greatest pet peeves. If it were to eliminate this story entirely from the film, I would have had a much more pleasant time watching the film.

I enjoyed "Cloud Atlas" overall. I found it entertaining, and at some parts even moving. I will rate it a C+ only because at times I felt the message of the film was being continuously repeated as if I was unable to understand it. I also thought "Cloud Atlas" was trying to desperately to be what "Tree of Life" (directed by Terrence Malick) was two summers ago.