Joseph Gordon-Levitt defi es gravity in the sci-fi action fi lm "Inception."
Throughout the film, the action comes up and down with the occasional superimposed chase sequence, yet most of your viewing pleasure comes right from following the films mantic plot. You hear them explain the idea of the dreamer, the delving into the mind’s eye, and while it may sound watery as Cobb or Arthur explain it, the audience understanding what is really happening makes it worth while. It’s the “I wonder what would happen if...” moments that make it work and bring the story along so well, captivating you in the fantasy film.
It also doesn’t hurt that, while the entire story was solely character and acting driven, no one dropped the ball. With DiCaprio coming out of his “rough n’ ready” attitude from “Shutter Island,” he was able to calm down and keep face, giving a focused and determined leader. Unfortunately, somebody always has to make him the forlorn lover, and with him all he can do is look like a puppy that needs to be taken outside.
Luckily, with the help of Marion Cotillard it wasn’t so bad. Her display of emotion and level of power was perfect to offset DiCaprio’s “bad dog” flare. Not to mention Ellen Paige stepping in, trying to fit into her adult shoes with a film that had more depth than her previous ones did her well. It’s a shame that she will always look and act like a 15-year-old, but working beside Gordon-Levitt, it seemed natural.
Nolan’s limitation to the film is his tense perception of how things should have played out. Bringing up several ideas — but not actually expanding on them — Noland’s need to let go of inhibition and create keep him from standing up beside the other head turners like Kubrick. Perhaps like Hitchcock, he was limited by his own ideas and forced himself down, rather than up. The difference is Hitchcock came back later to amaze us all.
This doesn’t change facts that “Inception” is still a well-crafted and well designed film. It does what few are really doing anymore in the industry and simply makes something up, wildly abandoning what others may think and doing what feels right. The only problem is that, like the memory right before you open your eyes, the best part is just out of reach.
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A version of this article appeared in the Jul 22 issue of the Collegiate Times.
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You spelled Ellen Page's name wrong. And you spelled Christopher Nolan's name wrong in the next paragraph.
Did someone proof read this?
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That you are perfect and never make mistakes.
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He's doesn't have to be perfect he's not writing for a newspaper. A newspaper should not have spelling or grammar errors.
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These are supposed to be edited, yes. If the writer misses them, then that's a mistake on his part. If an editor misses it then there is a larger issue. However... if that is your biggest complaint, then take it up with the CT and not the author.
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I didn't think Inception was a good movie.
2 and a half hours of serious in your face overacting by the same character Leo has been playing in his past 3 or so movies.
The story is lame and overly complex... pseudo science and special effects should not trick you into thinking this movie is intelligent or clever in the least.
Come on really? A dream within a dream how does that mean deeper and deeper into subconscious. IT MAKES NO SENSE and I refuse to accept this premise.
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