Cloud Atlas: Big, Daring & Utterly Bemusing

Film review by Tom Hunt

Note: The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of RetoxMagazine.com

Cloud Atlas

Cloud Atlas is a film that's difficult to sum up. You spend the first couple of hours not really 'getting it'; then in one moment it feels like it all comes together. There isn't an explanation for this, nor is there clear concrete evidence but you simply feel...good. It all becomes clear without you being able to explain why, or what just happened in the last 172 minutes. Are all the characters drawn to one another? Related in some way? Or is history and time simply rehashing the same stories, problems and mistakes?

This is a provocative film. It will frustrate a lot of people, and bemuse the rest. I doubt there is one person on this planet who could watch Cloud Atlas for the first time and say without a shadow of a doubt "I understand it". Inevitably some will have their favourite segments, a personal favourite was Ben Whishaw as the young composer... Trying to draw connections to the stories is like trying to solve the Rubik's Cube blind folded. At times you feel like you're about to unravel the mystery, then something happens that you cannot possibly explain. Actors such as Tom Hanks plays both villainous, heroic and then at times coward and insane characters. Which leaves the mind wondering how all of his stories are linked exactly? Only the film's directors', Tykwer and the Wachowski siblings will have a clue, and they too might be just as baffled as the rest of us. All I know is that for the people Cloud Atlas managed to reach and in the process entertain, it leaves you knowing one underlining fact; it's a film you need to see again.

Cloud Atlas film poster.

Whether you're enjoying certain parts, or even all of the parts of the film or not at all, it's impossible to deny it's beauty and the hard work it must've taken to create this visual treat. With so many different worlds to create all under the same film it's no wonder there were 3 directors on board. It's so easy to label this film as 'bad' because you don't understand it, but that's far from the truth. It might not be to your taste but it's a warm, embracing and at times breathtaking story that demands your attention, blink for a second and you'll miss something as subtle as Dermot Hoggins (Tom Hanks) spotting Halle Berry's untitled woman at a party. A little nod to show that no matter what, these characters are drawn to each other.

My hands will go straight up and say I was extremely excited for this film, and while watching it that excitement turned to bewilderment. I truly believed there would be a much bigger 'pay off' than the ending we got, but in a story this complex and boggling, perhaps we got the best ending we were ever going to get. In years to come, through many viewings and careful consideration there may be a complete 100% explanation for this film. But that is wishful thinking, after all they said this book was impossible to make into a successful film, maybe 'they' (who are they?) were right. Regardless of that, it was given the best possible shot it was going to be given, from the same zany minds that brought us The Matrix trilogy, and we all know how that turned out for everyone.

Cloud Atlas wasn't a great film, it might not even be a good film, but it's an impressive film. A truly - and this word gets thrown around a lot but is completely at home here - unique film and most appropriately of all a brave film. It's very frustrating at times, and it doesn't do enough to keep the audience engaged.