We have all had images and ideas that seem so real in the moment. Yet as soon as we wake up, we can barely remember what they were altogether. The phenomenon of dreaming seems like such a difficult topic that it would be impossible to use as a film's premise. If that is the case, though, then it seems Christopher Nolan has done the impossible in his latest, "Inception."
The film follows Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio), a master extractor skilled in the art of invading the dreams of others via a futuristic "dream-sharing" technology. His power gives him access to a person's ideas as well as their secrets; however, his next assignment demands the very opposite. Instead he must plant an original idea in his target's mind, therefore making his target believe it was his thought initially. Along the way, Cobb recruits a crack team of architects and thieves that add their own skill to accomplish this seemingly impossible task. In so doing, the distinction between reality and dream blurs.
It was mentioned in a prior article that "Inception" would take a completely new direction in the recurring Hollywood theme of illustrating the inner workings of the mind. After seeing it firsthand, it only suffices to say that that was an understatement.
At first glance one would think that "Inception" will be memorable for its mind boggling special effects and captivating storyline. What really makes this movie stand out is how wonderfully it adheres to the fleeting nature of a dream. Then again, this is also one of the film's biggest flaws.
For instance, it would help to have a basic understanding of dreams and their influence on the mind. Normally information such as this would be acquired when studying for a psychology class. In addition to that, the pace of the film is very quick so it is imperative that viewers pay careful attention while watching.
Another one of the most unique aspects of "Inception" (also its most potentially confusing) is that it exploits the concept of multiple dreams. This is not meant in the sense of more than one dream sequence; rather, a dream within a dream within a dream. For those who have seen any of director Christopher Nolan's previous films, this, to say the least, is a huge step up in creativity, keeping the audience deep in thought at all times.
Needless to say, it is more than likely that more than one viewing of this movie would go a long way in understanding the intellectual and intersecting methods in which it was filmed. From start to finish, viewers everywhere will be intrigued as well as stunned by what "Inception" will show them in relation to the mind's hold on the body as well as creating a world where anything is possible. According to Box Office Mojo, the film earned a respectable $60.4 million in its opening weekend. If this is just the start of things to come, then we can expect a lot from "Inception."
Christopher Spall can be reached at christopher.spall@student.shu.edu
