Cloud Atlas

“Cloud Atlas” is the name of a remarkable book by David Mitchell. A Russian Doll of a book, it contains stories within stories that link and arc to form a narrative that spans centuries and civilizations.

I thought it was amazing.

And now, it appears that a film of the book has been made. Even the trailer is almost six minutes long – it will be interesting to see how the film stacks up to the book. There are, at least, some good actors involved, so one can but hope.

Update 4 September 2012: there’s a very good article on the making of the film in the current New Yorker. Definitely worth reading. I still fear for how the film will turn out. The Wachowskis are known for their bravura visual style over depth of characterisation (e.g. The Matrix), while the book is almost the complete opposite. Still, fingers crossed, the film may yet stand on its own feet as a work of art.