TEFB REVIEW: INCEPTION (ULYSSES TAKE)

Director: Christopher Nolan

Leonardo Dicaprio, Joesph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Ken Watanabe

Your mind is the scene of the crime.

Inception released in theaters nationwide on July 16, 2010.

The Story… David Cobb (Leonardo Dicaprio), who is a highly skilled thief that steals valuable secrets from deep within the subconscious mind during the dream state, finally finds himself his golden ticket for redemption, a ticket home to his family. However, to receive this ticket, David must pull off the one thing that is nearly impossible, Inception. What’s keeping him from just going home? Using his rare ability for corporate espionage causing him to be an alleged international fugitive. To pull off Inception, David has a team of specialists who must help him reverse the task of stealing an idea by instead planting one…

From a technical standpoint, all you have to do is see who directed the film, Christopher Nolan. These days I would be very surprised to see his name on anything that isn’t high quality. Brilliant is one of the words that come to mind when it comes to the lighting, sound, and cinematography in his films. Inception will be no exception. The atmosphere for this film can be compared to that of a dream. I’m not talking about those dreams that include the boogeyman with knives for fingers on his right hand playing hide-n-go-seek or the dream when we decide to follow the “white rabbit.” I’m talking realistic dreams that recreate our everyday lives or bring us back to an unforgettable subconscious reality. Unlike the cliché summer blockbuster with “mindless” special effects, Inception uses its effects to enhance and tell its story, plus as events unravel; our heroes use these effects to their advantage in trying to accomplish their mission.

After discussing with a key critic to TEFB, it’s conclusive that this film isn’t perfect. One prime reason is the spectator’s lack of connection with the film’s heroes as far as emotions. I cared for the hero in this film but only to the extent to see if he can really pull this mission off. However, I do have a feeling that this connection issue is on purpose because of the nature of our hero has to do with one that tends to isolate. That being said the conflict of man vs. himself plays a good role throughout the entire film.

If you have trouble with lengthy films I recommend to have some snacks with you or to just be patient because this film is worth about every frame. Christopher Nolan took a break from directing our beloved dark caped crusader and brought us 2010’s Summer Champion. But then again who knows? This idea could have been mysteriously planted in my mind…