Complex Tale Of Human Atlas Told In Poetic, Moving And Comical Way
By ALAN SAMUEL
Hats go off to Warner Brothers for pulling off a thrilling story with Cloud Atlas. Through the mists of time we go as we set sail on an unforgettable journey made intriguing by a superior cast and very clever writing. Naturally, this is what to expect from joint directors Lana and Andy Wachowski, the same pair that brought us the classic Matrix trilogy. See all the action unfold at The Empire Studio 12, Colossus and Cineplex Odeon arenas across Canada’s west coast playground.
Global action through history is well chronicled in this saga that begins in some nomads land with an ancient warrior played by Tom Hanks. Considered one of the movie’s most likeable actors, Hanks shares screen time with no less than 5 other characters he portrays. One of the most enjoyable aspects of this movie is trying to think which actor is playing which part as a number of thespians have 4-6 different roles in the same movie. Brilliant meshing of the storylines ensures your kept on your toes throughout this 172 minute escapade.
Plot wise, Cloud Atlas truly chronicles the trials and tribulations of its main characters. Film with interlocking story-lines can work or fail depending on both the performances and the nature of closure. Flawless editing takes on a plight that includes bouts with slavery, gay relationships, bigotry, family strife, aging and a whole host of other concerns. Oh, did I say throw in the odd assassin or two plus some futuristic brave new world order? Well, these elements to the story are all here and they work well, very well indeed.
Elementary and deduction come into play as well as we track the sorry plight of a witchy woman played impeccably well by Halle Berry, a cantankerous old fogey delightfully depicted by British wit Jim Broadbent, two dashing young British adventurous living on the edge by way of Jim Sturgess and new James Bond Q’s own Ben Whishaw and you have momentum and fun through and through. The mark of a good movie is not being able to tell what’s lying ahead and Cloud Atlas is full of “gotcha”moments that will have you yearning for more.
Storytelling that’s creative and bold rings true with Cloud Atlas. Even reformed bad boy gets into the act in a series of different parts that prove he’s one heck of an actor and is a first class scene stealer here.
Fresh, exciting and thoroughly enjoyable is Cloud Atlas, though it’s long length may have been shortened by 10 or so minutes just to ease the flow.
