Cloud Atlas: ...ummm...

I think I need to read the book.  It was confusing and jumbled and LONG and somewhat painful to sit through.  From what I read about it, this was a ridiculous undertaking in the first place, and it is a cleaner version of the book: they simplified the characters by having the actors play multiple roles.  And yes, it did in fact look like a make-up artist's "white whale," turning all the actors into at least one alternative ethnicity.  But, the story is disjointed and nearly impossible to follow, having no clear theme that explains why their lives are intertwined or circular.  Again, in summary, I think I need to read the book.
Verdict: It's a dense book... (skip it unless you fully commit)