IMDB: Inception (2010)
Director: Christopher Nolan
Direction and screenplay: 10/10
Watching Inception film is like being on a cruise ship. Everything falls together smoothly, in a way that simply makes sense. There is none of the jittery and roughness you get from riding the smaller boats. The on-screen transitions feel almost second nature. Every shot is almost picture perfect. The difference in the time space of each dream level is very well represented. So beautifully shot is this movie that you can actually sit through the entire 2.5 hours and not feel any nausea or headache.
Storyline and plot: 10/10
Inception’s unique take on the dream world literally opens up a multiverse of possibilities. The unique mix of fantasy and reality incorporated with suspense is so potent. It engages and reels us in, taking us along for the ride … and what a ride it was.
The movie starts out in a very Christopher Nolan kind of way – fast paced action with almost no explanation that can leave some of us a little dazed and confused, but with good reason. Its clever placement communicates a sense of immediacy and a preview of things to come. Not only will it all make sense eventually, but it would come back to haunt our imagination well after the film has ended. The plot quickly picks up and escalates into the grand finale, which opens up even more questions, leaving us wanting more. This makes the film even more beautiful, as it leaves us to find meaning from our own perspective.
Visuals and effects: 9/10
The entire film is beautifully shot. The visuals are intricate yet pleasing on the eyes. The action sequences are easy to follow. Part of the film’s power is how the dream sequences can be surreal while managing to stay realistic enough. While the lack of color in many of the scenes was most likely intentionally done to set the mood, the film could have used a little more color and vibrancy.
Audio and music: 9/10
Music in the film is both a mood enhancer and a clever plot device. The audio is clean and crisp. The actor’s voices are clear and easy to understand. If anything, the film lacks a real theme song. There is no music to identify it to. Not a big deal but the general lack of a memorable selection of songs does not make a very exciting soundtrack.
Acting and casting: 9/10
The characters are very unique, and each one is given enough focus to stand out and be memorable while keeping the main protagonist in focus. If anything this film is a testament to DiCaprio’s breadth and depth. He sets the tone and sets it well, delivering a fluid performance in every scene. He was able to stand out in the film while managing to blend into it. Everything just feels very organic for this seasoned actor. Ellen Page plays a young and very talented architect. Being the youngest and only female in the group she does an excellent job of bringing warmth to the film. The rest of the crew is well cast. I had a little trouble dealing with the two father figures. Pete Postlethwaite and Michael Caine both deliver stellar performances, but somehow I had trouble convincing myself that they were related to their sons (Leonardo DiCaprio and Cillian Murphy) at all.
Conclusion: 9/10
Inception is by far one of the best movies of the year. If there is a movie you just have to watch this has to be it. Make sure to watch in a good theatre and try not to pee during the film. There are no dull moments and you will not want to miss any of it.