‘Cloud Atlas’ First Look: Tom Hanks and Halle Berry In Distress

At best, ‘Cloud Atlas’ sounds ambitious. At worst, it sounds exhausting. An adaptation of David Mitchell’s 2004 novel, the movie heads to theaters in October after stopping off for celebrated premieres at the Toronto International Film Festival (and possible screenings in Venice and Telluride). As we get closer to release, Warner Bros. will want to let audiences know what they are in store for, and so we’re getting a few early images.

As you can see above, Oscar winners Tom Hanks and Halle Berry are two of the many characters populating the various levels of the story, which will be co-directed by Tom Tykwer, Larry Wachowski and Lana Wachowski. Mitchell’s story spans centuries, with some action set in the distant past and others set in a post-apocalyptic future. The challenge comes in connecting the threads, and the film’s success rests entirely on the directors’ ability to create some cohesion.

We know that the cast is able. In addition to Hanks and Berry, ‘Cloud Atlas’ features Hugo Weaving, Jim Sturgess, Susan Sarandon, Hugh Grant, James D’Arcy and the great Jim Broadbent. The sci-fi drama reaches theaters on Oct. 26, and now that we’re getting a few images (via EW.com), we’re hoping a trailer will be right behind. That will give us a much better idea of the tone and pacing of ‘Cloud Atlas.’ The rest, for now, is a tantalizing mystery.