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Cloud Atlas (Oct. 26)

Wrapping your head around Cloud Atlas, the first film from the elusive Wachowski siblings since 2008's Speed Racer, is no easy task. Based on the six interwoven tales in David Mitchell's 2004 novel, the movie presents a single, unified story line exploring the consequences of courage and betrayal across continents, time periods, and even genres. Co-written and codirected by the Wachowskis and Tom Tykwer (Run Lola Run), the film features a starry cast of actors — including Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, and Hugh Grant — portraying up to six different roles apiece to echo the novel's theme of interconnectedness. ''I read the screenplay and was nearly hopelessly confused,'' says Hanks, ''but I was intrigued.'' His secret weapons? Color-coded highlighters and sticky notes, which he used to sort out all the plot threads. Despite the independently financed project's lofty ambitions, the Wachowskis insist they haven't forsaken their action-loving fans. ''Some people are just going to take this as a great ride. And hopefully some people will be more profoundly affected by it,'' says Andy Wachowski. ''We like to make movies that you can enjoy on many different levels.'' Highlighters are optional. —Adam Markovitz

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Image Credit: Jay Maidment