Inception
What a brilliant film. Christopher Nolan films are always hard to review because I either hear people calling him the greatest director of all time OR I hear people say he’s massively overrated. I can’t tell if people are just trying to be different when they say he’s bad or if there is actually something I’m missing. He’s also so intertwined with the ‘film bro’ thing that when I get round to rewatching and logging his films, I always make sure I’m analysing the film objectively and impartially.
After this rewatch, I still think this is excellent. I have one small thing that I’m unsure about but it’s not a defining issue. I just think this is exactly a 9/10.
First, this is probably one of Nolans most ambitious plots. The idea of going into people’s dreams isn’t necessarily an original concept. It may not have been done in film, but it’s not a hard idea to come up with. However, the vast scale that this film delves into that idea on, is just astonishing. The fact that at one point in this film, you are watching a dream in a dream in a dream in a dream, and still it doesn’t feel convoluted, is just astounding. It has moments where I don’t fully understand it or I may feel confused for a second, but not only does that make the film so much more rewatchable, it’s actually a testament to how well directed it is. Being confused in moments is what makes the emerging plot so compelling. I actually don’t want to 100% understand every single thing after two watches. Inception strikes the perfect balance of confusing and complex, but also simple enough that it doesn’t lose your interest.
Second, this is such a lovable cast. Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Caine, and more. Not only are they familiar faces, but they all put in such captivating performances. One of my favourite casts for any film ever.
However, I have one small issue and that’s the beginning. It’s a lot of exposition to handle. With the concept of the film, it makes sense that it has such an elongated exposition (What is a totem?, an architect?, an inception?, a forger?, How does being in a dream even work?). I understand that explaining the ‘lore’ is necessary, but it’s a lot to grasp right off the bat. I undoubtedly find it entertaining but on rewatch, I can see the beginning having much less value. Although, I must say, the exposition seamlessly transitions into the set up for the actual plot. It’s one continuous build up to conducting the inception so maybe it won’t be too much of an issue. I’ll have to find out. As I said in the introduction, I’m still unsure.
In summary, one of Nolan’s best in my opinion. Not only is it ridiculously impressive to write this, but to pull it off in practice, is just incredible. You also have to talk about that score from Hans Zimmer. Absolutely astounding. I actually think Time is his best song of all time - just perfectly encapsulates that final sequence. Absolutely recommended.