'Cloud Atlas': I may have to take it back

Cloud Atlas

Yesterday I mentioned how wonderful the book Cloud Atlas is, written by author David Mitchell. I must take back my comment on the film of being 'disappointed'. I bought the DVD later today and watched it this evening. After having watched the film today and being further from having read the book I feel oh so much more love for the film. It plays with my emotions and have found the skills that must have been used to create this masterpiece to be phenomenal. I did find the film to be disappointing at first in the cinema; I was still getting over my overwhelming excitement for it. Now I feel so much more love for the film and the creators of it. 

I must say that this happens on countless occasions, where I feel more fond of a film the second time round or away from the cinema. 

If you have any views on the film you would like to share please do :) Rosie Bowen

'Cloud Atlas':you must read it!

Cloud Atlas

When I read Cloud Atlas I fell in love with David Mitchell and had to buy more of his books to read. This extraordinary novel captivated me and took me on a journey across time and introduced me to possibilities I had never thought of before. 

I advise everyone to read the book and am so very glad that I have read it. 

Please do not be put off by the film! I went to see the film as soon as it came out in UK cinemas but was a little disappointed. The trailer was magnificent and still my favourite trailer of all time, also the cast were amazing and got me all the more excited for the film. Unfortunately I was disappointed with the film. I know that this is how it always is with screen adaptations but I people I went to see the film with who hadn't read the book, hated the film and found it 'to confusing to understand'. I found that people were trying to look into the film to much and this is what made it confusing. 

Parts of the film were great and I especially love the love story of Frobisher and Sixthsmith played by Ben Whishaw and James D'arcy; I would even go as far to say that they portrayed their characters better than Tom Hanks. 

If you have time, if you haven't already, go watch the trailer (make sure it's the extended 6min long one) and please, please, please don't let the film or reviews from the film stop you from reading the book. Rosie Bowen

'The Great Gatsby' worth the hassle Lurhman?

SPOILER ALERT

The Great Gatsby

After having read the beautiful novel by Fitzgerald I couldn't wait for Gatsby to come out in cinemas. My anticipation of the film had boiled up for such a long time. I was deflated. Sat in the cinema at the end of the screening, I felt like all that excitement was a little bit wasted. Of course the film had it's good points but I expected so much more from Lurhman.

I guess you must think I'm oh so boring to be ranting on like this about a film that all-in-all was brilliant but after falling in love with the book, I just couldn't relate to the film quite as much or in the same way. I found all the actors to be extremely skilful in their roles and couldn't believe how great they were all apart from Mr Gatsby himself, played by DiCaprio.  I'm not quite sure why but in the book I always felt sympathy for Gatsby and liked his character throughout but in the film DiCaprio annoyed me into thinking Gatsby was horrible and my concept of Gatsby changed; maybe this is the reason for why I didn't like the film or the character portrayed by DiCaprio. Furthermore certain parts of the film seemed to look fake. The beginning was amazing with the 'old-style' effect but other parts of the film like when Daisy first visits Gatsby's house didn't look quite right. I don't know why this was (so if you know please tell me) but it ruined the film a bit. If you go to see a film like Spider Man or Man Of Steel you expect visuals that seem unrealistic because they aren't things we expect to be possible however Daisy visiting Gatsby's house should have looked real because it is something real.

On a lighter note there was many aspects and parts of the film that I loved and I would definitely buy the film when it comes out on DVD. For example, Lurhman making a surprise appearance as a waiter. I love it when a director appears in their own film. Also how great was Tobey Maguire? Never thought he wasn't great from Seabiscuit to Spiderman but in Gatsby he was just amazing. 

Furthermore I had to buy the soundtrack, didn't you? The party scenes were brilliant but my favourite had to be the scene with Tobey Maguire and Isla Fisher in the room that Daisy's husband had bought to house his love affair (sorry if I have made a few inaccurate references). The sax in the music makes it and I cannot stop listening to it.

That's all I have to say for now, if you have anything to add please feel free to. I would love to know what your views on the film/book were! Rosie Bowen