ThisFilmIsOn

When your last on-screen effort proves to be the biggest selling Blu Ray to date there are inevitably going to be high levels of expectation for your follow up. Seems then, like a strange time to venture out into the woods alone. Not if you’re Christopher Nolan it isn’t. Despite his new found visionary status, naysayers claim that Nolan’s perceived ‘genius’ tag is misappropriated. Both Memento and The Prestige are adaptations, Insomnia is a remake and Batman, well, it’s Batman. With this in mind it’s reasonable to suggest that Inception is not just a big deal for the baying public. It’s a big deal for Nolan as well. Understandable then that Nolan has been so clandestine about the film’s plot ever since the mouth watering teaser trailer hit the net in August of last year.

Of course Nolan’s involvement goes back much further. It’s widely reported that he first pitched the idea to studio execs when it was just that, an idea. As the narrative suggests, idea’s are simple, realising them is where it gets complicated. Warner Bros approved but Nolan decided to work on the screenplay in his down time. Eight years later and Inception is finally in cinemas.

You may be surprised to hear that there’s a lot of Dick in this film. The influence of science fiction writer Phillip K. [Dick] (what did you think I was talking about?) is apparent for all to see whether it’s DiCaprio’s troubled leading man or the dystopian technology we can all look forward to. That’s not to say that Inception isn’t quintessential Nolan. The common themes of memories lost, guilt and a person’s need for a good night’s sleep are all there but in the name of all that is sacred and secret that’s all I’ll reveal about the plot.

However, once you watch the film it quickly becomes clear that this is more than just a labour of love for Nolan. It’s a meta-text. The arc of DiCaprio’s Cobb and Nolan’s own journey are too similar for coincidence, the inspiration for Inception itself came to Nolan upon waking from a vivid dream where he was on a beach. Appropriate then that that is exactly where the film begins. Like Cobb, Nolan has delved into the recesses of his mind and built something both spectacular and crucially personal. It is here where the film blossoms into more than just a blockbuster. If Avatar is brawn then Inception is brains.

Further testament to Nolan’s dedication is put simply, one of the most impressive ensemble casts ever put together. Six of the principle cast share no less than thirteen Oscar nominations between them, granted six of them belong to Michael Caine. With that in mind you’ll not be surprised to hear that the cast are all excellent. Whilst Inception is unlikely to accrue any Oscar nom’s (in the acting catergories at least) there are some note worthy displays. DiCaprio turns in another solid display as a man with a past, something which is quickly becoming a staple of his. Brit, Tom Hardy is bad ass in the truest sense, kicking ass and taking names like he was born to do it (next Bond please?). Probably though, the biggest cheer should be reserved for Joseph Gordon Levitt.

Having paid his dues in sitcom’s, teen movies and Indie flicks, Inception will surely upgrade him to the A-list. As right hand man Arthur, Levitt turns in a subdued, supporting performance. The real revelation however, is how the slight (500) Days of Summer star handles the action heavy sequences. Regardless of how many times you may have replayed the spectacular trailer you only get a glimpse of Levitt’s gravity shunning gymnastics and what awaits you in the cinema is all the more incredible. Whilst all those present on set agree that the process was incredibley physically demanding they also aknowledge that Levitt was a revelation. Whilst Nolan demanded more and more from the actor, cast and crew watched on in astonishment as Levitt took the pummeling and took it with a smile on his face. The result, one of the most mind blowing effects scenes ever commited to film.

So yes, what you’ve heard is true. Inception is quality on all it’s many levels. Whilst dream narratives can often seem trite and cheap, Nolan has sculpted a film which perfectly draws you into a complex world whilst avoiding confusion and ambiguity as a result of a clearly well honed script. There are arguabley no stand out performances but that is only because all the players have brought their A game. Yet again Nolan has delivered a five star movie.