OUR RATING SYSTEM
(*****) = do NOT miss! This one is as good as they come.
(****) = Fantastic - It's worth the price of the ticket (and then some).
(***) = Average - Nothing really bad, nothing really spectacular...
(**) = Perhaps you should find another movie to see.
(*) = The bottom of the barrel. It would be hard to find something less entertaining or more unworthy of your time.



Maureen (Mo) holds a PhD in marine geophysics (Dr. Maureen, to you) and works for the U.S. Geological Survey in Santa Cruz, CA. Maureen enjoys the outdoors (skiing, swimming, hiking, camping), dogs, cooking, singing, getting into (and out of) uncomfortable situations, and most importantly, watching quality movies. She makes a point of seeing as many Oscar-nominated films as possible each year and (correctly) predicting the winners. Her role on this blog is primarily as an advisor, collaborator, and "chime in"-er.

John (Jo) holds a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in Film Studies. He currently lives in Chicago, Illinois and works as a nurse. His one true obsession in life is movies... The good, the bad, and everything in between. Other than that, he is busy caring for his cat, painting, writing, exploring Chicago, and debating on whether or not to worship Tilda Swinton as a deity. John is the master and commander and primary author of this blog.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Cloud Atlas (Jo****)

Just when you thought you understood what a movie could be, along comes 'Cloud Atlas,' a dense and precarious film that has so many ideas and images and characters and stories, I don't know if repeated viewings can even decipher the truth behind it all. With no less than 3 directors and actors playing 6 or 7 separate characters, this is a movie unlike any other, endlessly ambitious, and certainly a movie people will remember for some time.

The setting ranges from Colonial America to the far distant future, past the rise of civilization to a point where man has reverted to nature. Discussing plot is simply impossible, as each story is connected with mere thoughts, or actors, or ideas. To think about the meaning behind several characters sharing a shooting star-shaped birthmark is puzzling enough, but to then contemplate how each character's action could potentially effect their counter-character in the future or past is simply unnerving.

Babbling on about this film in cryptic riddles and my own puzzled ideas will be no good for a review, so let me just heap praises on the technical aspects. Titled as one of the most expensive independent movies ever made, 'Cloud Atlas' soars with its sheer beauty in setting and photography. The same goes for the visual effects and makeup - top notch work in the way they work to seamlessly incorporate one actor in to many settings.

Is this a film for everyone? Of course not. People today like their films straight forward and linear in their story. No one wants to be scratching their heads hours after seeing a film, but that is truly the success here. 'Cloud Atlas' creates a dizzying story, but one that sticks with you long after you have finished. Reading the novel upon which it is based may or may not shed some light, I'm not sure. All I can really tell you about this film is that it is one I need to see again, soon. If that isn't some sort of compliment, then perhaps I should just go ahead and recommend it.

(Awards Potential: Best Picture, Best Actor (Hanks), Best Actor (Broadbent), Best Actress (Berry), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Editing, Best Original Score, Best Sound Mixing, Best Sound Editing, Best Makeup)
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