Crossing over

Originally a novel from David Mitchell, the upcoming film, Cloud Atlas, is a definite leap in film making.  Comprising an international cast, with the likes of Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugh Grant and Jim Broadbent - to name a few, the directorial trio of Andy and Lana Wachowski, in collaboration with German director Tom Tykwer echo the thematic weaving of era, genre and lives that make up the film.

Upon witnessing the cinematic recreation of his book, author David Mitchell noted how the film had an ability to transcend both categories of 'low-brow' blockbuster creations and 'high-brow' arthouse films to create a sort of 'monobrow' appeal.  The essential link relies on the 'butterfly effect' of human actions and the consequences that can be had on others that can shape the future of the world.

Interspersed with philosophical musings voiced by the different characters, the film undertakes the daunting task of not only recreating written literature on the big screen, but also ensuring an enjoyable viewing experience for the audience as the span of ages, locations and characters blur.

Mitchell's comments are truly worthy of note.  As arthouse and blockbuster have parted ways - creating opposed streams of artistic value, films that can marry the two may indeed preserve the artistic integrity of alternative films while bringing 'cinematic literature' (as Tom Hanks called it) to the masses.

Photo courtesy of Jay Maidment