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9.9/10
FilmFascination Rating
I know what you are thinking. Why choose a movie to share that everyone already knows is great?
Recently I watched Inception again. And I probably had forgotten how mind-blowing it was. Surprising one again who has already seen the movie is exceptional and shows how much work was put into making it. I think there is always going to be someone who has not seen this movie. Also, for the new generation of movie lovers, I want to put it out there as a part of my Great Movies list.
The movie starts with a great action sequence and some leaps from one scene to another. Within 20 minutes of runtime, Inception lets its viewers know that it is not a movie to be watched lying back on your recliner. It is going to need your undue attention. Cobb (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) is a skilled thief who infiltrates the target’s subconscious and extracts information with the help of dream-sharing technology. For many, this is going to be a completely new concept. And our minds are alert to digest this foreign idea and make the most sense out of it. Their latest target, Saito is impressed by Cobb’s skills and hires him to do an impossible job of inception: planting an idea into someone’s subconscious. In return, Saito will give him something that means the most to him. A chance to meet his children again and go home. Now why can’t he go home? This is where I mustn’t say anything further.
The cast of Inception is just amazing. Leo with his strong emotions about his wife (kind of reminds me of Shutter Island), Hardy with his cheeky and humorous attitude, along with Page, Joseph Gorden Levitt, and Marion nailing their roles. Honestly, I could name every actor because everyone has done such a good job. Michael Caine needs only a few scenes to make his presence known. And even in those few minutes, he manages to convince us that he is the master of all. That is something.
In its runtime, I never felt its length. Along with the mind-blowing concept of entering a person’s dream which was inspired by the anime ‘Paprika’, Inception has at its center a lot of emotions. The plot of Inception is structured really well in the movie. As we go through the movie, we come across things we don’t really understand at the moment. But after some time, the reason reveals itself. So there are many scenes of the realization – ‘Oh, so that is the reason why.’ At the time when I thought no more action scenes could impress me, the Inception chase scenes were really interesting. It is because we care about the people involved in it. We want to know what happens to them and the emotional background of these characters enhances our feelings for each one of them.
Nowadays people just go throwing the word ‘masterpiece’ for every other movie they kind of like. It is a shame that over time the word has lost its gravity. But I feel no reluctance in calling Inception a masterpiece. It truly deserves that dignity. I have no flaws to point at, for this one. The duration, the editing, acting, plot, direction, and the music by Hans Zimmer (chef’s kiss). I mean they get everything right! Also, the places where the movie takes us are so beautiful. The snow, the beach, and the famous coffee shop scene – the visuals are strikingly vivid. The only thing that one could argue with me about the movie is its complexity. It is one of those movies that people (by people I mean Christopher Nolan) have spent years deciding the plot, the layers, and the structure. It is said that Nolan took ten years to complete its screenplay and started writing it after Memento.
So, there is no denying that it could give you a head scratch on the first viewing. The levels at which various things are happening are such that you are bound to miss at least some detail when you first watch it. Still, the movie tries to tutor us by bringing in a new architect, Ariadne, to the team. She is as new as we are to this idea. So, Cobb explaining to Ariadne about dreams is indirectly to make us as comfortable as possible with this new concept. For the people who go to the cinema just for some easy-going action movies. This might not be for you. So go on and choose another one for tonight. And let me make one thing clear, Inception is not for the mass audience. Directors like Nolan give me relief that there are people in the cinema industry working relentlessly to give the audience something original. To give them that rare experience that comes once in a lifetime.
One thing that kept me a little uneasy was the end. But I think I get why Nolan chose to keep it that way. Honestly, how many movies are made nowadays that lead you to discussions after watching it? You know, those movies- after watching them, you call your friend (the one who recommended it- ‘your movie buddy’) to discuss about them. It isn’t often that such movies come by, but Inception is one of those.
Favourite Quotes
Cobb: What is the most resilient parasite? Bacteria? A virus? An intestinal worm? An idea. Resilient… highly contagious. Once an idea has taken hold of the brain it’s almost impossible to eradicate. An idea that is fully formed – fully understood – that sticks; right in there somewhere.
Cobb: You’re waiting for a train. A train that’ll take you far away. You know where you hope this train will take you. But you can’t know for sure. Yet it doesn’t matter. Now, tell me why?
Mal: Because you’ll be together!
Cobb: Dreams feel real while we’re in them. It’s only when we wake up that we realize something was actually strange.
Cobb: Inception. Now, before you bother telling me it’s impossible…
Eames: No, it’s perfectly possible. It’s just bloody difficult.
Arthur: You. What the hell was all that?
Cobb: I have it under control.
Arthur: I’d hate to see it out of control.
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