'Inception" Review

Dream Big

“What is real?” Is the big question at the heart of Christopher Nolan’s (he wrote, directed, and produced) stunning ‘Inception.’ This is not your usual big budget summer blockbuster. Not only do you have to bring your sense of willing disbelief, the characters have to work out their own sense of reality – which is constantly shifting.

Leonardo DiCaprio holds his own as Cobb, a man who steals corporate secrets by teasing them out of people’s brains while they are dreaming. He is on the stereotypical “one last mission” that will permit him to go home to his family. However, as the movie progresses we delve not only deeper into the story, but also deeper into Cobb’s character. This allows the movie to transcend the standard action movie format and tell a touching love story, as well as make us question ourselves about how our thoughts and actions influence others.

The rest of the cast also does an excellent job as well, and there is a little bit of an ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ feeling to the film as the individuals band together to pull off an impossible heist. Tom Hardy’s character Eames is especially noteworthy, as he is able to mimic others – including changing his appearance in the dreamscape. There is also the transparently named Ariadne. If you don’t understand, then perhaps you should spend some more time with Greek myth this summer.

Pacing and editing are highlighted during the last half of the movie, since time is further dilated the deeper into the subconscious you go. This allows action on one level overlap with exposition on another, while still keeping a sense of urgency and forward momentum.

The overall tone of the film is very serious, with only a very few moments of levity. Coupled with the action it makes for a very relentless two hours. I’m wondering if there was originally more humor and interaction between the various members of them team, that ended up needing to be sacrificed to the cutting room floor in order to highlight the central story and fit the time limit.

I highly recommend this movie. There is enough action and gun fights to make it a fun summer movie, and enough drama and emotional tension to make it an excellent date movie, and more than enough questions to keep you busy long after the stale popcorn has been swept off the theater floor.