Cloud Atlas

[Drunk Monk]

It was ambitious.

As a film, it was a tad too much. Six story lines were too many to try and keep juggling up in the air. The constant character cameos were a clever device, but in the end, that also muddled the multiple story arcs. But still, I was entertained throughout the film. Some actors, like Hanks, Berry and Broadbent, were really easy to spot despite all the make-up. Others, like Grant surprisingly, vanished into some of the roles and I didn't realize who they were until the ending credits. It would be fun to watch the film a dozen times and then deconstruct it at some cafe with other film aficionados. At least that would be fun if I had ample disposable time, which I don't.

I enjoyed the Neo Seoul sequence the most as it was the most visionary, the most Wachowski, and summed all the messages up nicely. Those Amerasians that were complaining about white actors being made up with the ol' chink eye were so off base. White is made up to be Asian, Asian and Black are made up to be white, male actors play female characters and vice versa. Sometimes Amerasians play the race card so poorly.

I'm still whirling some of it through my head, which is a good thing, an endorsement of a film's ability to stick with me for more than one bucket of popcorn. I'm sure there were a lot of loose ends, as well as connections that I missed. I haven't read the book, and for a fleeting moment, the film almost inspired me to do so, but that moment has passed.

There was a sword fight...well, sword vs. shiv. It was okay. However there was no Bollywood dance number, and the ending of the film could have really used one.

[Greg_phpbb3_import1]

Kudos to your for attending. Did you pay for the ticket? Because that would be amazing in itself.

Still mulling over whether to attend. If I'm going to see it, I'd like to see it on the big screen. But it seems the major thread running through the reviews is that it is a fantastic film you can't make sense of. Good times. Kind of why I'm shying away from 'The Master'. It's an important film that no one understands. If you don't understand it, how do you know it's an important film?

Probably going to see Argo next.

[Drunk Monk]

I've been having to do that recently.

If you're inclined to see it, see it. Don't be put off by the reviews. It has some fine panoramic stuff in it, great for the big screen. I don't think understanding a film is a requirement for importance. I didn't understand a lot of Bunuel films and yet I still thought they were important, as did a lot of film buffs. In fact, perhaps the lack of understanding can make it seem more important. Such could be said of Cloud Atlas. Although I wouldn't say that I didn't understand it. The messages were quite clear actually, and I even agreed with most, if not all, of them. It was just ambitious, like I said. It tried to achieve a lot, some of which succeeds and some fails. You should probably see it G, just so you can take part in the discussion.

[cranefly]

Hmmm. I'm starting to lose it. Somehow I cognitively condensed Cloud Atlas and Skyfall into a single movie.
Now, suddenly there are two birds in the air, so to speak.
I'm going to need a bigger slingshot.

[El Dingo]

Part of the "free HBO" weekend thing.

I really enjoyed it.

Tom Hanks did a great job of playing multiple parts. I kept track of the multiple stories easily, but did not see the 'links' between the characters as easily. Obviously it's designed for multiple viewings to catch all of the recurring themes (dinner parties broken up by the female protagonist, slave servants etc).

The slow build from personal victories to world-changing events was effective.

I liked it.

[cranefly]

Halvah and I were halfway through this, having trouble staying awake, when I got a text from LCF asking what's up. When I told her, she wondered why I wasn't saving it to watch with her. Who woulda thunk? She never wants to see the movies I choose. Anyway, I texted her that I'll save the rest to watch with her. I'm an hour and a half in, and it seems to be just shy of 3 hours long.

I'll admit at this point that I'm bored. There's too many characters who get diluted by all the jumping around. Which is strange. I tend to like magnus opus films and books, bigger than big, complex beyond arcanity. But I'm just seeing lots of makeup here, caked on to the point of hideosity. As for the message, it's like this big mackerel caked with makeup too, and when the director slaps me up side the head with it, I feel both slimy and pretty -- which is a touch disturbing.

Will update later as needed.

[Drunk Monk]

You guys are watching this now just to warm up for Jupiter Ascending, right?

[King Bob]

Haven't seen it because I read the book and just don't see how it could work as a film - way too much internal monologue containing important info for one thing. And I was put off by the idea of the same actors in different roles. Plus I can't stand Halle Berry.

I will highly recommend the book though. It was stunning.

[Drunk Monk]

A Halle hater, eh? Clearly you've never seen this.

[King Bob]

I must admit that is her only film I like. It is delightfully bad.

[Greg_phpbb3_import1]

Swordfish?

[Drunk Monk]

I couldn't even make it through Catwoman. Never saw Swordfish. She's dreadfully overrated.

[Greg_phpbb3_import1]

It now comes back to me when Brody stole the lip smacking when presenting her with her Oscar.

She does a lot """ACTING""" Although I did like her in this. Don't like her in the X-Men movies.

[Drunk Monk]

it's all about Brody today, huh? Think I need a Stella...

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