'Cloud Atlas', an intricate, time-bending drama from no fewer than three filmmakers — Tom Tykwer and Andy and Lana Wachowski — and based on a best-selling novel of spiritual adventure by David Mitchell, revolves around the subject of reincarnation, resembles elements of Indian mythology.
'Cloud Atlas' became a once-in-a-lifetime project for actors to portray multiple characters in one film. As Harry Berry explained, “I loved the evolution of the characters and I loved the totality of every single one of them… Every character, every part that everyone had to play was equally as important to telling the story.”
Six-in-one
The former Bond girl has played six roles in her upcoming film 'Cloud Atlas' based on David Mitchell’s novel of the same name, with elan. “There are multiple characters that I am playing for six different stories in the movie. Each of these characters is interconnected with previous story in the film. I loved the evolution of the characters and I loved the totality of every single one of them. Every character, every part that everyone had to play was equally as important to telling the story,” says Berry, one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood.
Berry is a white Jewish adulteress in the 1930s, a gutsy journalist in the 1970s, an Asian medical man in the 22nd century, and part of an elite race of survivors in the 24th.
Most difficult scene
For one character, Berry endured eight hours of having the skin tone all over her body lightened so she could play a 1930s high society woman. “For one of my characters, I was portraying a white woman. I had a prosthetic nose, a pair of contacts and a wig. I think that was a difficult part for me,” she says adding, “Getting the skin to be believably Caucasian when you’re the colour I am proved to be a big challenge for the makeup crew.”
Juggling hats
“I think if you want to have a career, you can have a career. At times when I don’t want to work and just be a mom, I do that. I think it depends on what you do. At times, it’s hard. But I think working in this industry is always hard,” says the 46-year-old actress.
Unplanned
There was one thing, however, that no one could plan for. “During the shoot of 'Cloud Atlas', I broke my foot. While I was resting, Lana and Andy (directors) came to see me, I thought they were surely going to give me my papers and tell me, ‘Back on the plane.’ But I was so touched. I cried so hard when they said, ‘No, a bump in the road. We’re going to fix this,” says the former Bond girl.
Working with Tom Hanks
“It was incredible. There is so much that you can learn from him. I had a great time working with him,” says Berry.
Between takes
“During the shoot of 'Cloud Atlas', whenever we had a break, we would visit our co-actors who were in the same premise, shooting for the other story. We’d all sit and catch up,” says the actress.
What’s next?
'The Hive' is set to release in 2013. So I’m looking forward to it.