Review of Cloud Atlas (2012) by Harold M — 22 Mar 2015
A significant development in cinema, "Cloud Atlas" takes the notion of non-linear story telling using film to a new height. Its seamless blending of six plot-lines in six different timelines creates a meta-narrative that, quite simply, entrances.
In it, the hunger of ordinary people for freedom is pitted against the ruthless cannibalistic creed of the powerful: "The weak are meat and the strong do feed." As the meta-narrative unfolds, different characters in different timelines find themselves repeating the same patterns while they find inspiration in the stories that precede theirs, and add their deeds and words to the future that comes after them.
That the film was not popular on its release I find disappointingly not surprising, as it is challenging. Most difficult truths expressed as art forms are. But that, and the sneers of a few cynical film critics should not put people off this film.
It is worth the effort.
This review of Cloud Atlas (2012) was written by Harold M on 22 Mar 2015.
Cloud Atlas has generally received positive reviews.
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