Cloud Atlas
cool graphic found here
Cloud Atlas is a 2004 novel by David Mitchell, which I reviewed back in 2007 on this very blog. The book was so ambitious, and was such a treat to read. It was told in nesting chapters, with different characters, and different genres, which refer to each other and interconnect in interesting ways. I loved it. When I heard it was being made into a film, I wondered how the different genres would translate…Melvillian sea story, 20th century crime drama, post apocalyptic tale, amongst others. I’m happy to report that they did a darned good job with it. I’m not sure I loved it as much as the book (because, duh, it’s a book), but the stories were well told, and while it seemed like it might be confusing, I didn’t find it to be so at all. It was, however, 3 hours long. Ted’s a good guy and sprung for the HD experience, which meant $$$, but also very comfortable seats and not too crowded. Worth it when you’re sitting there that long.
Check out my book review if you’re at all interested in finding out the stories involved. I highly recommend both the book and the film. Really interesting, really fun in parts, and sometimes sad and touching. I’d say it’s worthwhile.
5 Comments
Ted
Really liked the movie, and may read the book because I’d like to see how different the narrative is between the film and book. Glad we went and saw it in XD because I don’t think my butt could have taken a 3 hour movie in regular seats. 🙂
Bob Zecker
I’ll have to hope the film makes it to rural Nova Scotiastan! I loved the book, which my well-read brother sent to me years ago. Am currently reading, wait for it, history, but I have a cheesy novel, “The Pawn Broker,” that I picked up for a buck at a yard sale. I’m dying to crack it.
OmbudsBen
The nested stories concept is intriguing. Do you think it was easy to follow the plot because you had read the book already?
J
Yes, but the movie isn’t nested so much as it bounced around between stories. It wasn’t difficult to follow, and Ted said the same, even though he hasn’t read the book *yet*. I think if they had tried to cut it and make it shorter, they might have ended up leaving some pertinent scenes on the cutting room floor. The book was over 400 pages, so while not SUPER LONG, it was pretty long indeed.
Ally Bean
You inspire me to read a wide variety of literature. Left to my own devices, I’d stick with the tried and true NYT best seller list. But thanks to you, I learn about all sorts of different books. I may not get the chance to read them for a year or two, but at least I have a good list at my disposal. Thank you.