Sprawling science fantasy novel Cloud Atlas is set for an adaptation with the Wachowski brothers and Tom Tykwer at the helm…
In most instances, the presence of no fewer than three directors working on one movie would sound like a recipe for disaster. In the case of David Mitchell's sprawling literary/sci-fi/fantasy novel, Cloud Atlas, which intertwines six disparate narratives across a thousand year period, it may require three people with canvas chairs and megaphones just to get the thing finished and in the can.
According to news floating in across the Atlantic, the Wachowski brothers will be teaming up with Run Lola Run director Tom Tykwer to adapt Mitchell's Russian doll-like novel, which takes the reader through multiple time periods before folding back on itself and providing closure for each separate tale.
Mitchell wrote each section in a markedly different style from the last, so the presence of three directors begins to make sense if the film bears any resemblance to the novel.
Tom Hanks, Natalie Portman and Halle Berry have all been attached to the film, though it could be some time yet before shooting begins. (While Ms Berry hinted that shooting could begin this summer, the Wachowskis are still looking for studio backing.)
Given the sprawling and potentially expensive premise of the book (a budget of around $80-100 million has been mooted), it could be some time before the production properly clicks into gear.
More news on Cloud Atlas as we hear it.
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