What is Cloud Atlas?

The Wachowskis and Tykwer have to be commended for pulling off this amazing feat of artistry. To be able to create a piece of art that can touch people on such a deep level that forces them to engage in repeat viewings and conversation with others is a gift. Unfortunately, there will be those who see the film and just dismiss it as pretentious junk, but in my mind the directors, screenwriters, cast and crew have pooled all of their talents and created something beautiful.

And the cast! Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugo Weaving, Susan Sarandon, Jim Broadbent, Jim Sturgess, Doona Bae, Ben Whishaw, Keith David, James D’Arcy and the other actors certainly give the performances of their careers as they appear in almost every segment as completely different characters, sometimes in lead roles and sometimes just in a kind of cameo appearance. The make-up — and seriously, this is Oscar-worthy work — ranges from just a wig, a fake nose, or some different teeth to transform the actor for their characters, but it also goes so far as to change an actor’s gender or race to make them completely unrecognizable. Staying through the cast list of the credits is a mind-blowing experience itself as you see each actor and all of the roles they played. High praise to the artists who created the make-ups and the actors who brought it all to life.

It’s not very often that I see a movie that I feel that I must see again. Even after three hours, I could have re-watched Cloud Atlas as soon as the credits ended. It’s that good. Of course, your tolerance for the time jumping may wear thin, but stay with it. It seems disjointed at first as we get little bits and pieces of each era, but once you get a feel for each story, it all begins to flow. If you let yourself go with the flow, I think you will be greatly rewarded. Cloud Atlas isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but I’m definitely ready for another cup.

**Update: If you still have not seen the movie, Warner Home Video will be releasing it as a Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital Download on May 14th! The Blu-ray will have a host of extras as well to take you behind the scenes of the making of this epic film. This is definitely a movie that demands repeat viewing.