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| The Wachowskis and Tykwer deliver. |
Directed by Andy & Lana Wachowski, Tom Tykwer
Produced by Stefan Arndt, Grant Hill, Tom Tykwer, and Andy & Lana Wachowski
Written by Andy & Lana Wachowski, Tom Tykwer (screenplay); David Mitchell (novel)
Starring Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Jim Broadbent, Hugo Weaving, Jim Sturgess, Doona Bae, Ben Whishaw, James D'Arcy, Zhou Xun, Keith David, David Gyasi, Susan Sarandon, and Hugh Grant
****
This might just be the cinematic event of the year. As another divisive film from 2012, the story alone is likely to turn many away, if not the running time. It is incredibly difficult to summarize in a few sentences, but here's an extremely basic rundown of the six storylines in the film. One focuses on a sick lawyer (Sturgess) recovering on a ship, and another looks at a young composer (Whishaw) in a homosexual relationship. Meanwhile, a journalist (Berry) uncovers a conspiracy, and a publisher (Broadbent) is imprisoned in a nursing home. In addition, a clone (Bae) rebels against the government, and a tribal member (Hanks) must deal with the downfall of his homeland. All of these intercut tales occur in different times and places, forming the massive film that is Cloud Atlas. (Thanks to IMDb for helping me make brief sense of these multiple storylines.)
Helmed by three directors, this epic is ambitious, exhilarating, and preposterous, yet it still resonates. It seamlessly switches from action to sci-fi to fantasy to thriller to drama, without wasting its bloated running time. Though the film is almost three hours long, it never slows down, as the story keeps building and building until the film's fitting conclusion. Still, some may criticize the film's numerous shifts, which can be jarring at first. Also, the film could be seen as a clear attempt to show that we really are, all of us, connected across time and space. The film doesn't shy away from this theme, and I, nevertheless, found it captivating. At times, it can be overindulgent and blatantly obvious, but, ultimately, it was an uplifting, strange cinematic experience that I am eager to have again. In the midst of all that's going on in the film, the cast deserve praise for fully committing to the material. Of course, the technical aspects of the film are excellent, and the score is quite wonderful as well. Essentially, it's a blockbuster with ideas, which is most welcome. This might not be an awards movie, but it's one of the best I've seen this year.
Oscar Potential: Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Sound Mixing, Best Sound Editing, Best Visual Effects
Can't wait to see it on the big screen, something tells me one viewing is not enough. A blockbuster with ideas, I like the sound of that
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm hopefully seeing it again this week. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on it.
DeleteIt was not the type of sci-fi epic I was expecting, but still had a nice way of keeping me interested and entertained the whole way through. Sadly, it’s going to probably make no money at the theaters. Nice review Josh.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dan. I agree. Unfortunately, this looks like another flop for the Wachowskis, which is a shame.
DeleteThis sounds like something I'd really enjoy. I do like complex, intertwined stories, and the themes you described sound fascinating. Plus I like Tom Hanks and Jim Broadbent a lot. Excellent concise review, Josh!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Stephanie! I really have no idea how you'd react to the film, but I think it's one that needs to be seen in theaters. Of course, it's divisive, so you might not want to spend three hours on it in the cinema. :)
DeleteUsually a movie that on movies that are divisive, I often side NOT with the critics. This one included. I too want to see it again since I didn't pay for the first one :) Oh they better win Best Makeup at the very least, and I'd love to see 'em at least being nominated for Best Cinematography/Best Visual Effects!
ReplyDeleteI also hope it gets nominated/wins something. Best Production Design and Best Original Score would be great nominations as well.
DeleteGreat review. I really appreciated the technical side of this as well as the amazing job the filmmaking trio did in telling the story through the fractured style. The visuals and cinematography were also amazing.Sadly I had several issues with the movie. I won't rehash my entire review but I simply wasn't interested in a couple of the storylines and i felt it was at times too heavy-handed. I also don't feel it's as big of a movie as it presents itself to be. But I don't disregard the things it does right.
ReplyDeleteThanks. That's fair enough. I enjoyed the entire film, even though it was quite strange in parts.
DeleteThanks for the follow! :)
Glad you liked it, it doesn't come out in the UK until March. Maybe I should read the book.
ReplyDeleteWow. That makes the two-week wait for Skyfall seem like nothing. I haven't read the book, so I don't know if that's essential.
DeleteI thought I was the only one, who liked it. Great review Josh. It's a shame that academy missed it in every nomination, especially Best Score and Production design. Cloud Atlas was the most enjoyable movie experience of last year
ReplyDeleteThanks Nika. It was my #2 film last year behind Holy Motors. At the very least, it deserved a Best Original Score nomination.
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