Ever have a movie that just sticks with you? For me, it’s “Cloud Atlas.” Some people scratch their heads at its sprawling story, but I find it brilliant. If you’re in the “love it” camp like me, then you’re in for a treat.
I’m a longtime movie buff and content strategist, and I’ve seen my share of behind-the-scenes documentaries. But trust me, this one is special.
Shout Studios just dropped a 4K collector’s edition of “Cloud Atlas,” and it includes a new, two-hour-plus documentary, “What Is An Ocean… Reconnecting the Cast and Crew of Cloud Atlas.” It’s like a warm hug for fans of the movie.
1. Who is featured in the ‘Cloud Atlas’ documentary?
The documentary is hosted by Jon Donahue, Tom Hanks’ stand-in from the film. He chats with pretty much everyone who was anyone on set. We’re talking writers and directors Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski, and Tom Tykwer. Plus, original author David Mitchell. The cast includes Tom Hanks, Jim Broadbent, Hugo Weaving, Jim Sturgess, Doona Bae, Keith David, James D’Arcy, David Gyasi, Susan Sarandon, and Hugh Grant. You also get insights from producers, cinematographers, editors, costume designers, and makeup artists.
It’s a filmmaking masterclass, plain and simple. Each person shares their experiences, showing the passion and hard work that went into making this movie. I once watched a different behind-the-scenes feature that felt so staged. This one is the opposite. It’s all heart.
2. What behind-the-scenes stories are revealed?
You’ll hear how the Wachowskis and Tykwer teamed up to bring the book to life. They filmed in different places at the same time. Lana even said they would have scrapped the whole thing if David Mitchell hadn’t liked the script. Tom Hanks and his daughter talk about how he slowly came to appreciate the story. The actors discuss transforming into different characters, crossing gender and race lines. (And yes, the film’s “yellowface” issue gets addressed.) They also share location secrets, like how far the pirate ship sailed.
One especially interesting tidbit: after filming, the first cut of the movie was a mess. The directors and editor thought it was “devastating.” So, they pinned everything on a wall and looked for connections, eventually finding the rhythm that makes the movie what it is. Mitchell even thinks the final result is more powerful than his book.
3. Why isn’t Halle Berry in the documentary?
Halle Berry is the big missing piece. Everyone speaks highly of her, especially about the time she broke her foot during filming. She worried she’d be replaced, and the studio considered it. But the directors stuck by her and found ways to keep her in the movie. That earned her even more respect from the cast and crew.
4. Is the documentary high quality?
Most of the documentary was filmed over Zoom, which gives it a 2020s feel. At first, you might expect something grander for such an epic film. But this approach allowed everyone to participate, which is more important than fancy footage. Personally, I think seeing the actors in their own spaces adds a layer of intimacy that suits the movie.
5. Is the ‘Cloud Atlas’ 4K collector’s edition worth buying?
If you’re a “Cloud Atlas” fan, the new 4K is worth it for the documentary alone. It’s a deep dive into the making of the movie, filled with passion and fascinating stories. You can find out more about the collector’s edition here.
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So, are you ready to rediscover “Cloud Atlas” with this behind-the-scenes look, and what do you think of the movie?