The film was inspired by the true story of pioneer filmmaker Georges Méliès, his surviving films, and his collection of mechanical, wind-up automata figures. Below is a brief narrative:
Clock keeper and thief, Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric girl and the owner of a small toy booth in the train station, Hugo’s undercover life and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message all come together…in this intricate, tender and spell-binding mystery.
The movie features young talents such as Asa Butterfield (The Boy in Striped Pyjamas) and Chloe Moretz (Kick Ass, Let Me In, 500 days of Summer). They are joined here by an amazing cast – Sir Ben Kingsley, Jude Law, Sasha Baron Coen and Christopher Lee.
Hugo Cabret is released and distributed by United International Pictures through Solar Entertainment Corporation and is slated to be in cinemas on Jan. 8, 2012.