Cloud Atlas is a bold and ambitious film that links six stories set in differing time periods which uses actors to play roles in each of the periods as if to suggest that we are all linked, through time, history and space. I saw the film over a week ago on a plane and while I usually try to write reviews within 24 hours of seeing a movie, it wasn't possible with Cloud Atlas. The time between seeing and reviewing as well as the nature of the movie means that I don't feel I can write a proper review so I'm just going to bullet point some of the thoughts I had while watching it. So here we go.
The opening five minutes are incredibly confusing.
An 8" screen in the back of a seat on a plane isn't the optimum medium to watch a movie like Cloud Atlas.
I experienced character overload.
In the story set in 2012 London, Tom Hanks resembles an angry, mahogany Pirate with a half Irish, half Cockney accent. It's ridiculous.
Korean Hugh Grant doesn't work.
The film is bold for taking the Babel style interconnected stories movie a step further.
A friend from work left after 80 minutes. I don't really blame her.
