Inception

It has taken me awhile to dissect Inception, a film so layered and complex, that I wasn't even sure how I was going to write about it. There is so much to analyze, to mull over, and to generally appreciate (or not), that the task seemed daunting. But the time has come, and I think Christopher Nolan has crafted himself one hell of a film, one that I hope will continue to be deconstructed and discussed for years to come.

Inception is a film about dreams, at least on the surface, but it is also about the nature of reality and what one perceives as reality. Is there really any difference? The plot is complicated, to put it mildly, and because the reality vs. perception argument fuels the film, from an audiences point of view at least, you have to question everything you are given and everything you see, because none of it may be "real." Nolan delves into his characters subconsciouses, going deeper and deeper into dream worlds that it is hard to maintain a grip on reality. There are some truly meta ideas hidden within Inception, which, instead of drawing the viewer out of the film, allows them to question their own perception of reality, drawing them deeper into the film. This was the most interesting aspect of the film, and ties into most conversations regarding the film when friends will discuss it, even if they are unaware.

But that is just a bunch of rambling on why I enjoyed Inception, though there are certainly many other reasons. Nolan's directing, combined with the editing and filming of the film, is utterly perfect, and there are a number of scenes that stand out above the rest. There is none better than the hallway fight scene between Arthur (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and a nameless, faceless gunman, as the two struggle for dominance in the hallway whose gravity is constantly shifting, sending the two up and down walls and onto ceilings, all in crisp, clear shots. It's a stunning technical achievement to be sure, but it's also damned exciting to watch.

Along with Nolan, his cast does a wonderful job, especially Leonardo DiCaprio. The film rides on his shoulders and he carries it without any strain, which helps the audience watch Cobb in a way that is cold and observational, but still allows for sympathy. And the players around him populate a world that is exciting and mysterious, which would be less impactful if the cast was any less stellar. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Tom Hardy are the two supporting members that really need to be watched, as they stand tall in a story packed with ideas and characters constantly threatening to be more interesting than anything that came before it.

The praise can continue, and end, with the script, which Nolan has been working on for nearly a decade. It took the success of The Dark Knight to get Inception made, because at its core, Inception is a heady, sci-fi, actioner that manages to fit into both in an epic and thoughtful category, which challenges audiences but still excites them. Nolan proves you can combine intelligent story-telling with stunning action, but this isn't his only example. It wouldn't mean much to present the story here, even in synopsis form, because it is better to know as little as possible about Inception prior to seeing it, and it would be exceedingly difficult to do it in a manner that didn't appear convoluted and exhausting. Suffice it to say, Inception is well worth your time.

Genre - Action (4)

Screenplay (4)
Acting (4)
Production (4)
Directing (4)