Part 2 - Lincoln here
So, I had intended on writing out reviews for these four movies all in one post, but the monster of my general verboseness got the better of me. Here goes the final bit...
Cloud Atlas
I really have a hard time expressing my love for Cloud Atlas. By all rights, this movie should not have worked, but it does, beautifully. I have only read a part of the first chapter of the novel, but it is very dense. Plus, it has six, interwoven stories that not only span hundreds of years but also literary genres from historical to sci-fi and everything in between. Throw in a truly large cast of characters, and you get the idea that this novel is in the category of "unfilmable." There must be something about unfilmable novels that I love because my earliest recollection of a book being called that was in 1996 when I read about a movie called The English Patient, which I ended up seeing 5 times in the movie theater and it went on to win Best Picture. I fell in love with that movie, and to this day, I am still in awe of how beautifully written and directed it was by the sadly missed Anthony Minghella.
The wonderful way that the Wachowskis and Tom Tykwer, who co-wrote and directed, solved the riddle of making Cloud Atlas was to have a core group of actors perform all the major roles across the six story lines. While this might put a finer point on the notion of souls traveling than the novel may have done, it certainly makes sense in a film adaption plus it makes it a lot cheaper to film! Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Jim Broadbent, Hugo Weaving, Jim Sturgess, Doona Bae, Hugh Grant and Ben Whishaw do the heavy lifting here with all of them playing multiple parts that span age, race, and gender. The makeup work, while not always completely successful (I'm thinking the Caucasian to Asian transformations and vice versa), but it is never really that much of a distraction to me, at least. I've honestly never been a huge fan of Tom Hanks in dramatic roles. I suppose I still look back to when he was in drag in Bosom Buddies, and that negates any amount of seriousness I can take from him. Plus, I hated Forrest Gump with a passion. He does some pretty great work here, and really, all of the actors are their usual reliable selves. For me, the biggest surprise is Hugh Grant. He's always been such a fluff actor, but he shows such great acting chops here. I am surprised he hasn't challenged himself more in his career. Here's to hoping he does.The most meaningful notion in all of this is the story of Lana Wachowski herself. For those that do not know, Lana used to Larry, and she is now the most high profile transgender woman in Hollywood. To watch the movie through the prism of that knowledge is to see why she would be attracted to a story of souls transcending age, race, and especially gender. Lana gave an amazing speech before the Human Rights Campaign, and I encourage all of you to watch it. It will give you a great appreciation for her and for the movie itself.
I really run out of superlatives for Cloud Atlas. It has been a long time since a movie has moved me this much, and I am truly saddened that the mainstream critics did not give it better reviews. A few of them got it, but I am afraid that coupled with just the unknown of it led a lot of people to not see it. I hope it picks up some viewers once it is out on video, which I will own. I also want to say this is the first time in a long time I have purchased a movie soundtrack, and I am listening to it right now. Please see this movie, and please go in with an open mind. It is rare we see Hollywood put this much passion and heart into something. Let it wash over you... You won't regret it.
"Our lives are not our own. From womb to tomb, we are bound to others.
Past and present. And by each crime, and every kindness, we birth our
future." - Sonmi-451
1 comment:
I agree with everything you said, well except about Tom Hanks. I love everything he does. I felt like I learned new things about myself watching this movie. Thank you for your review.
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