This film is so big and complex that it's difficult to know where to begin in describing it or my reaction to it. So maybe I won't, other than to say that I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it, and am still sorting it all out in my head a day later. After what was (for me anyway) the disappointment of "Prometheus," it was great to see a film incorporating fantasy and science fiction in the service of Big Ideas that didn't lose its way ... and it could have, easily, with less adept direction and editing. All aspects of the craft of cinema are on rich display here. It's rare that such ambitious films also succeed as crowd-pleasing entertainment, but I'm pretty sure that this one pulls off many feats on many levels successfully. It'd be cool to read what other Skullbrainers think about the movie.
The trailer looks awesome. When I read your description never thought Tom Hanks and Halle Berry would be there. I guess that makes it even more interesting.
had you read the book first? i had, which makes it sort of difficult to evaluate the film on its own. in terms of adaptation i think it did fairly well overall. there wasn't really anything i hated, although some of their makeup choices were questionable. i think the novel is much better, but that's true in almost every case ... even with its healthy runtime there's still so much detail that had to be left out. and while the novel's structure really would not work at all for a film, it did work exceptionally well in the novel. short version: i think the film is enjoyable. good but not great. i think it's impossible for this novel to be turned into a great film actually; a miniseries would probably be the most appropriate format.
I've neither read the book, nor seen the movie. But a friend read the book and was telling me about it a while back. And after watching the trailer I felt like the book was "too big" to fit into a movie. Just seems like with so much going on, and so many layers, that the movie couldn't possibly do the book justice and would seem scattered and superficial. If I were to experience this story I'd rather read the book - but I have a pile of books, plus a whole list that I don't own yet, that interest me more than Cloud Atlas. So perhaps I'll just do the movie instead? It's encouraging that so far the two reviews are essentially "good" and "good enough".
I'll add my voice to the "worth seeing" group. I haven't read the book (yet), but if you have a basic sci-fi culture, you shouldn't get too lost in the plot. Some ideas are a little obvious, and the plot is actually nothing special, but the treatment (six storylines at once) is interesting and well executed besides a few scenes where it feels like a trailer or a music video. The effects in the sci-fi scenes are pretty nice too and the make-up impressive: watch the credits and you'll be surprised who was playing some characters!
Just saw it today. Wow. I feel exactly the same way. Was thinking about hours after seeing it. Still am. I'd say this movie is ahead of its time. Halfway into it I'm like "This movie is crazy!" and wasn't a second bored during this epic 3hr journey. Seriously. Its a bummer this movie won't be getting the attention it deserves. Definitely the movie going experience for the year. Unlike anything I've ever seen. Oh, and that editor of the film? Yeah, deserves like 6 awards for the edit of this behemoth!
I've not seen the film yet. I had previously added it to my "books-I've-loved-that-are-now-movies-with-Tom-Hanks-that-I-will-never-see" list. I'm glad to hear it's good though and will give it a chance. I agree with scud83 that the structure of the book plays a really big part in what makes it great. It will be interesting to see how it is without that aspect.
