Review of Inception (2010) by Owen H — 14 Jun 2016

Christopher Nolan's mind bending crime thriller achieves something special, it is both a big budget action thriller and a thought provoking piece centred on dreams and the perception of reality. Few films are able to appeal equally to both the popcorn movie goer wanting to see great explosions and the serious film lover who wants a complex and artistic piece that will be expertly constructed. Nolan first honed this unique ability with Batman Begins and perfected it with The Dark Knight, and with Inception he has created another masterpiece.

The riveting story follows Dom Cobb (the ever brilliant Leonardo DiCaprio), an expert at stealing hidden information from inside people's subconscious by entering their dreams, as he accepts the near impossible job of planting an idea inside someone's mind. It sounds complicated and a bit mind-boggling but Nolan skilfully meets the needs of casual viewers and those wanting more. There is a tad too much exposition at times but the complexities of dream heists are presented well. For those who embrace the story and its world, there is so much to take in and ponder, but the perfect pacing and expertly crafted action allows those who might get slightly lost at times to still have a fun experience. Although DiCaprio is the star, it is the perfectly chosen ensemble cast that make the film so convincing. Cillian Murphy and Marion Cotillard in particular are outstanding. It is not only the actors that are shared with The Dark Knight trilogy but also composer Hans Zimmer, who once again creates an atmospheric score that rounds out every scene beautifully.

I mentioned expertly crafted action because the film features such unique and well-made set pieces. The world of dreams is full of great potential and Nolan harnesses this. The highlight is the fight scene that takes place as gravity shifts around the characters, which was made with practical effects. This practicality makes it completely unforgettable. Even with a focus on practical effects where possible, the film uses ground-breaking GCI to convey the reality defying dream worlds.

On the flip side to collapsing buildings and fist fights is the insight into the human mind that the film explores so intriguingly. Dreams are still relatively mysterious and the film attempts to unlock some of these mysteries. The themes it explores go far deeper than regular blockbusters and the ending shot is a mind blowing moment that has rightfully caused so much debate over its meaning.

Despite its complexities, it is Inception's accessibility that lies at the heart of its brilliance. It asks you to think but equally wants you to sit back and enjoy what you are watching. Personally I thought it wasn't too action heavy or difficult to understand to put off either audience. It has something for everyone. It is expert filmmaking that can be enjoyed and discussed by all.