A set of six nested stories spanning time between the 19th century and a distant post-apocalyptic future. Cloud Atlas explores how the actions and consequences of individual lives impact one another throughout the past, the present and the future. Action, mystery and romance weave through the story as one soul is shaped from a killer into a hero and a single act of kindness ripples across centuries to inspire a revolution in the distant future. Based on the award winning novel by David Mitchell. Directed by Tom Tykwer and the Wachowskis.
Editing
Cross-cutting six timelines like a caffeinated symphony conductor
Production
Three directors, one vision, absolute maximalism
Director
Lana Wachowski
Tom Hanks
Dr. Henry Goose / Hotel Manager / Isaac Sachs / Dermot Hoggins / Cavendish Look-a-Like Actor / Zachry
Halle Berry
Native Woman / Jocasta Ayrs / Luisa Rey / Indian Party Guest / Ovid / Meronym
Jim Broadbent
Captain Molyneux / Vyvyan Ayrs / Timothy Cavendish / Korean Musician / Prescient 2
Hugo Weaving
Haskell Moore / Tadeusz Kesselring / Bill Smoke / Nurse Noakes / Boardman Mephi / Old Georgie
Jim Sturgess
Adam Ewing / Poor Hotel Guest / Megan's Dad / Highlander / Hae-Joo Chang / Adam / Zachry Brother-in-Law
Bae Doona
Tilda / Megan's Mom / Mexican Woman / Sonmi-451 / Sonmi-351 / Sonmi Prostitute
Ben Whishaw
Cabin Boy / Robert Frobisher / Store Clerk / Georgette / Tribesman
James D'Arcy
Young Rufus Sixsmith / Old Rufus Sixsmith / Nurse James / Archivist
Zhou Xun
Talbot / Hotel Manager / Yoona-939 / Rose
Keith David
Kupaka / Joe Napier / An-kor Apis / Prescient
Susan Sarandon
Madame Horrox / Older Ursula / Yusouf Suleiman / Abbess
Hugh Grant
Rev. Giles Horrox / Hotel Heavy / Lloyd Hooks / Denholme Cavendish / Seer Rhee / Kona Chief
David Gyasi
Autua / Lester Rey / Duophsyte
Robert Fyfe
Old Salty Dog / Mr. Meeks / Prescient 1
Martin Wuttke
Mr. Boerhaave / Guard / Leary the Healer
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The Wachowskis and Tykwer split directing duties by timeline, not by day — they literally built separate worlds.
The film's controversial 'yellowface' casting sparked immediate debate about transformative acting versus representation — the directors defended it as universal storytelling, critics weren't buying.
US
