Inception

So, I went to see Inception last night with my lovely other half. I think I can honestly say that the film itself definitely lives up to the projected media hype. Even a few moments into the film I was left feeling like I was watching a blockbuster that strives to make you think about whats going on rather than spoon feed you every last detail. This is a quality that is lacking in most modern blockbusters as the film companies strive to get bums on seats and sacrifice intense and interesting plots for eye-popping special effects and gimmicks like 3D. While that sort of practice is a necessary evil in order for film companies to generate money so that they can take a risk on more interesting films it's still soul destroying when so many of these sorts of films lack the one device that they sorely need, a decent plot. Inception is certainly not lacking on this front.

The main premise of Inception is the concept that the human mind's unconscious can be accessed via someones dreams and as a result can be subjected to both the removal of the subjects deepest secrets or other important information (Extraction) and also the subversive planting of ideas (Inception). The artificial dream-like state is induced by chemical sedation and the dream itself constructed as a lifelike artificial world by dream architects. While this in depth plot premise might put a lot of people off it does show a bit more innovative thought from the film's writers. The pace of the film pulls you in from the first few frames and it is fairly unrelenting throughout giving the viewer little time to collect their thoughts. I personally enjoyed this approach as it dragged me further in to the plot and kept me interested in the next twist or turn.

The acting throughout was very strong with the highlights being both DiCaprio and Marion Cottilard both of whom showed great depth with their performances allowing you to feel a sense of warmth and understanding for their characters. There were also accomplished performances from Joseph Gordon-Levitt, whose previous films all showed great promise for a young actor, and Cillian Murphy though both felt a little bit restrained and maybe could've given a little more to strengthen their roles. While there were many positives in this film acting-wise i felt that the part played by Ellen Page was very underwhelming offering very little support in her role and providing virtually nothing to empathise with as a viewer. I felt that this was a shame as Page is a very charismatic actress, you only have to look at some of her previous work (Juno and Hard Candy) to know that she can hold an audience. She has had some stinkers though in X-Men: The Last Stand and Whip It, so maybe she needs to put a bit more thought into what parts would suit her personality better. She may, however, have been held back by the constraints of the part she was playing but the measure of a good actor/actress is the ability to own a role regardless of the stature or the part. Bringing me nicely to the pointless addition of Michael Caine. Why? Playing Cobb's (DiCaprio) father could easily have been given to a less well known actor. Caine offered nothing in such a small part and represented an obvious tag for biggest waste of money in the film.

Visually the film was stunning on occasion and only had a few moments of underwhelming special effects. In a film where creating a believable environment was particularly important as an integral part of the plot the lush architecture designed within the film came across very well and in the moments where the perception of reality were questioned within the film the special effects team pulled out the stops, particularly with the 360 degree corridor, and delivered a seamless feel to the film. There was only one point where i was unimpressed by the effects, a scene where Cobb and Ariadne (Page) walk "up" a street, and that particular scene just looked clumsy. Otherwise the film is flawless and some of the cinematography is both beautiful and brutal in equal measure lending an impressive and epic feel to the whole film.

Does this film live up to the hype then? In my view, yes. There are so few films shining a light of individuality in a very dark and gloomy expanse at the moment that you could be forgiven for taking the reviews with a pinch of salt. In fact, I believe that they don't do the film the justice it deserves. Is it Oscar material? Probably not. But nonetheless it is a strong and interesting film and it strives to pull you in from start to finish. There are very few flaws in Inception and if you allow yourself to be drawn in to the world built in front of you you won't be disappointed.

Stay Epic

Buddy

4/5