Inception is an amazing movie. There is no sense in moving forward with a full review without first getting that out of the way. Christopher Nolan and his team, with a cast that is led by the sterling Leonardo DiCaprio, have made a complex, innovative, and compelling film that will be talked about for years to come, let alone is an early awards season favorite. It is likely the best film that I have seen in the last five years and perhaps longer. Yes, it is that good.
Now that the superlatives are out of the way, let me tell you a bit about the film that has been hyped on the internet for at least a year. Inception is a difficult film to define, which will leave you questioning the events you have seen from start to finish. The idea of inception, is the concept of planting an idea in someone’s mind, in order to make that idea a reality within the individual. It may sound complex, and it is, but it also is very compelling.
In the film, DiCaprio’s Dom Cobb is a master at entering people’s dream states and stealing their ideas for various uses. Cobb has a team of rogues that include Arthur (the continually maturing Joseph Gordon Levitt of 500 Days of Summer fame), Tom Hardy’s (Bronson and RocknRolla) impersonator Eames and the rookie architect Ariadne (Juno’s Ellen Page). The team’s members are all capable of interacting with one another within a dream state.
While Cobb has largely been a stealer of ideas, with the concept of inception, his goal is to plant an strong idea in Robert Fischer’s (Cillian Murphy) mind, as a favor (paid) to billionaire Saito (Ken Watanabe), so that Tom will regain his freedom and be able to return to the United States and see his children. Cobb has been living on the lam internationally since he was forced from the US upon an accusation that he killed his wife (Marion Cotillard).
Entering the mind is a challenging art as the mind has defense mechanisms built in to defend itself against theft, which is played out in the film in various forms as well. That is the essential groundwork one can know, in order to grasp the basic principles of what will take place in the movie. Almost anything else would be considered a spoiler; a slippery slope as it is. That being said, the journey that Nolan’s Inception takes you on is an incredibly immersing and creative one.
The visual effects are top notch, the creativity involved truly makes a dream world come to life unlike any film I can recall witnessing. Physics and time rules are tossed out the window (trains travel down the middle of the street, building are bent, gravity shifts – all at a moments notice), and similar to being in a dream, things happen seemingly at random until the “kick”, which is a reference to being jolted awake.
Most everyone knows the feeling of falling from a cliff in their dream and bouncing awake on their bed. Inception takes that fundamental feeling and explains how it happens.
The movie is an incredible thing to witness. You are taken on a journey across continents, torrential weather changes, shape shifting worlds where houses float and stairs end and begin as you create them in your mind. Throw that on top of the strong acting and incredible direction. If you thought The Dark Knight or Memento was Nolan’s strongest point, you can now cast such thoughts aside.
Inception is the clear-cut leader in the awards race for best picture, director and technical achievement at this juncture, if nothing else. The Oscars, Golden Globes and others will be hard pressed to find a yet to be released film to top it. A tall statement in July I understand, but one I believe will hold true nevertheless. Inception combines the striking visuals and mind bending concepts of a film like The Matrix, the action of the Bourne trilogy, with the emotional core of a film like Slumdog Millionaire and rolls them into one challenging whole. Inception is a film that demands repeated viewings and philosophical discussions for those truly trying to discern specific answers to it, but even those who leave their minds at the door can enter into a dreamlike state and just take it all in.
With Inception being the most ballyhooed movie in a summer devoid of much fun to this point, speculation on Leo and Christopher Nolan’s work has been rampant, with small details and clues helping to whet the appetite of us all in the interim. This film is like heroin, and as it was said in the epic film Pulp Fiction, “it’s coming back in a big f’ing way.” The latest pieces of information filler are this behind the scenes featurette, which features Nolan and Leo chatting a bit more about the film, locations they shot, etc. There are a few new clips in the piece as well, for fans craving all they can get (me included, I hate to say). And did I mention just the hint of that Zack Hemsey’s “Mind Heist” acting as a score here? Flavor.
The Photos and Artwork for the Leonardo DiCaprio-Led Inception Only Enhance Expectations For the Film
Additionally, ScreenCrave has gotten ahold of the latest banners for the film, so I figured I would give those to you as well. I love the upside down, wrap around, and levitation and destruction that the Inception pics and clips promise. Can never really have too much Inception info, now can you? To be honest I am glad that the hype is high, I was beginning to lose faith in myself over my clear lack of faith in Hollywood (and in turn, the public at large for supporting much of the tripe that my town distributes). But Warner Brothers has done a nice job here thus far.
Christopher Nolan’s Movie Inception Has Everybody Talking About It
Some have speculated that the speculation (like that, don’t you?) may cause this movie to fail to reach expectations, which are appearing dizzyingly high at this point. Again, in part due to the aforementioned summer lull at the box office (I mean, with movie quotes like “I work for the blah, blah, blah and they gave me a license to blah” who can blame anyone for staying away – I have), but also due to the names of the players involved here. We are talking about the director of The Dark Knight and the upcoming Batman 3 Untitled Project and Scorcese muse and box office star Leonardo Dicaprio (of Shutter Island fame among others), this would have been one of The Most Anticipated Films of The Year in virtually any year imaginable. Throw in other big names like Joseph Gordon-Levitt (500 Days of Summer), Ellen Page (Juno), Tom Hardy (Bronson), Marion Cotillard (Public Enemies), Cilian Murphy, Ken Watanabe, Tom Berenger, and Michael Caine (Harry Brown), and its a freaking extravaganza for crying out loud.
Inception Features A Unique Premise and Idea, So Unlike Hollywood These Days
For those not yet familiar with the premise of Inception, whose trailers have been cryptic anyway, here is a synopsis via FoF:
Dom Cobb is a skilled thief, the absolute best in the dangerous art of extraction, stealing valuable secrets from deep within the subconscious during the dream state when the mind is at its most vulnerable. Cobb’s rare ability has made him a coveted player in this treacherous new world of corporate espionage, but it has also made him an international fugitive and cost him everything he has ever loved. Now Cobb is being offered a chance at redemption.
One last job could give him his life back but only if he can accomplish the impossible — inception. Instead of the perfect heist, Cobb and his team of specialists have to pull off the reverse: their task is not to steal an idea but to plant one. If they succeed, it could be the perfect crime. But no amount of careful planning or expertise can prepare the team for the dangerous enemy that seems to predict their every move. An enemy that only Cobb could have seen coming.
Needless to say, with these additional pieces of information, the anticipation for this film is only growing. I know I am not the only one. Chime in with your thoughts. Feel free to debate whether or not expectations are too high or speculate on what other clues might be coming from writer/director Nolan. This is easily my most anticipated film of the summer and probably the most anticipated film of the entire year for me. I really like to try to temper my expectations, it’s my nature so that I am not let down, but in truth July 16th can’t get here soon enough.
Denzel Washinton is in talks to star in yet ANOTHER Tony Scott film. This one is Unstoppable, in which he’d play a train engineer trying to catch-up to and stop a runaway train carrying toxic chemicals. Although Crank is essentially Speed in a human body, this sounds like Crank on a train. [Screening Log]
In some more casting news, Matthew Macfayden will play The Sheriff of Nottingham in Ridley Scott’s Robin Hood. Although I said I liked the first pic, I think I liked the original idea of the film better, when The Sheriff was the good guy. [Filmonic]
Yesterday, we mentioned Robert Rodriguez will direct a reboot of the Predator franchise in the form of Predators. He had a chat with [Aint It Cool News] and answered a bunch of questions about the project. Turns out, he wrote a treatment for the film back in the 90′s.
Also yesterday, we mentioned Joseph Gordon-Levitt was joining a great cast for Christopher Nolan’s Inception. Today, we’re mentioning Michael Caine has also joined. [Flicks News]
Okay, I swear this is the last time I’m mentioning yesterday‘s post. We told you about the new Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen trailer debuting April 29th in front of some screenings of the original Transformers. Well, now you can get tickets.
Gore Verbinski opted to direct BioShock instead of Pirates of the Caribbean 4. Haw-haw. Now BioShock in on hold due to budget concerns and may go the way of the Halo movie. I said, “Haw-haw.” [Kotaku]
That damn “Empire” is at it again, this time with multiple behind-the-scenes pics from James Cameron’s upcoming Avatar. I look forward to not being suprised at all when I get to pick up the magazine for myself next week. [Market Saw]
Finally, stay after the credits when you see X-Men Origins: Wolverine next week, as it apparently has mutiple endings afterward. [Sci Fi Scoop]
Have a great weekend, everybody. I hope your NFL team drafts the guy you want.
I just saw at Target last night that old-school Ninja Turtles were being sold in what looked like their original packages due to the character’s 25th anniversary this year. Nice. However, news came out today via [Film Drunk] that a new live-action Ninja Turtles movies is due for release in 2011. Very nice. I didn’t care for the animated one that came out a couple of years ago and I think live-action is the way to go. Cowabunga!
Our preview writer, Joe, will be very conflicted with this news. Nightmare on Elm Street is getting remade. Sarcastic yea’s all around. Rooney Mara is playing the lead terrified woman and Jackie Earl Haley is playing Freddie Kruger. Jackie Earl was actually announced a bit ago, but the Mara announcement exposed us to it. I hate the idea of this being remade, but I don’t care for the original anyway. However, Haley’s involvement is awesome. [Screen Rant]
Here are some more set photos for you, shockingly not debuting from the new “Empire” issue. The subject is Nic Cage and Jay Baruchel’s The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. [Film Geek]
[Rama's Screen] has the news that Anna Faris will star in What’s Your Number? for director Mark Mylod. The film is based on the book “20 Times A Lady” by Karen Bosnak. It kind of sounds like a female version of Ghosts of Girlfriend’s Past. Perhaps what’s most important, though, is the script was written by Gabrielle Allan and Jennifer Crittenden. Crittenden has written for “The Simpsons,” “Seinfeld” and “Arrested Development.” Believe it or not, I knew that off the top of my head. This might actually be something.
We told you about Elizabeth Shue in Piranha 3-Dthe other week, now Richard Dreyfuss, who’s no stranger to fierce things lurking in the water, has joined the project. [Nuke the Fridge]
Remember the list of projects Guillermo del Toro was scheduled to be involved in that we wrote about a while ago? Well, Robert Rodriguez dropped his list today at [Dread Central]. It contains Machete, Nervewrackers, Sin City 2, The Jetsons and Predators. What’s Predators? Why that would be Rodriguez’ reboot of the Predator franchise. People seem to really like this news, but can the original really be improved upon? What do you think?
Want to see the new Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen trailer? It’s debuting April 29th on 20 screens all over the country in front of a one-day screening of Transformers in IMAX. [Transformers Live] has more details.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt has joined the cast of the new Christopher Nolan film, Inception. He’ll be surrounded by Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Page, Cillian Murphy and Marion Cotillard. Not that we needed any more reason to see it, but we got it. [Sci Fi Cool]
I promise this is the last remake news I’m posting today. James Marden is poised to play the lead in a remake of 70′s fight-for-survival flick, Straw Dogs. I can tell this is going to be a watered-down version just with this announcement. [In Case You Didn't Know]
Lastly, do you want to see the first seven minutes of The Brothers Bloom? Hulu has posted it up. We’ve seen the whole film and reviewed it back in October. Click the film’s title to see the review. Here’s the first seven minutes:
Yesterday, we posted our preview for J.J. Abrams’ upcoming Star Trek and the web has plenty of early reviews on this thing. Apparently it’s all positive. [Aintitcool] has a bunch of them compiled. I’m sure our very own Joe Amaral will have his take soon after the film’s release.
We also had some set pics of Jonah Hex yesterday, and today, [Cinematical] has some pics of Iron Man 2 for your viewing pleasure.
Larry Charles, director of Borat, Religulous and Bruno has his next project lined up, titled Winter’s Discontent. Charles used to write for “Seinfeld” and directed some “Curb Your Enthusiasm” episodes, so I’d imagine this next film will be appointment viewing. [Collider]
As mentioned in our April Fools post, Stanley Kubrick had plans for a Napoleon film. Although the great master has been gone for 10 years now, Napoleon on film is still a possibility. Al Pacino is in line to play the title character. I wonder if he yells. [JoBlo]
Sir Michael Caine could continue his streak of starring in Christopher Nolan films by perhaps garnering a role alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, Marion Cotillard and Cillian Murphy in The Dark Knight helmer’s upcoming Inception. [MTV Movies Blog]
Director Gore Verbinski decides he wouldn’t like to continue directing Pirates of the Caribbean films and will instead set his sights for the video game adaptation, BioShock. [Coming Soon] My old roommate swore by this game. I hope Verbinski can make it into an interesting film.
Finally, in another piece of video game adaptation news, Sony is developing a film based on “Shadow of the Colossus.” [/film] After reading about the latest video game-to-film news, what’s the next video game you’d like to see Hollywoodized? I assume you wouldn’t want Uwe Boll directing it.
So, while the plethora of yesterday’s April Fools jokes were primarily meaningless and pointless exercises in stupidity, there were a few that were funny (still pointless, mind you) and yet I’m still not entirely sure we are out of the dark yet. The latest movie news is below.
The full list of Transformers robots that will appear in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is officially made public. [USA Today] has the entire list.
More Megan Fox news drops as she is “a slender beauty with wings” in Passion Plays, opposite Mickey Rourke. [Risky Business Blog] Might this be the perfect woman opposite Mickey? How happy is he? I am sure he will do everything he can to get in her pants too.
[The One Ring] claims that there might be a third Hobbit film, meaning the original two planned by Del Toro need expansion. Not sure if this is a joke or not, but other sites have also reported on it, so we’ll leave the guesswork to you.
[Spike] has thoughts on Robert Patrick’s involvement in Terminator 5, which has already been green-lit. McG and T2‘s Patrick are tight but nothing is confirmed yet.
Ellen Page, Marion Cotillard and Cillian Murphy join Christopher Nolan’s Inception. Leonardo DiCaprio is the lead in the sci-fi/psychological film. [Cinematical]
It’s a little older, but [IESB] breaks down a planned Vin Diesel The Chronicles of Riddick sequel. Pitch Black was pretty well done, but Riddick bombed hard, leaving Fast & Furious to prove Diesel still has clout.
[UGO] interviews Quantum of Solace Director Marc Forster to discuss that film, World War Z, and his other films and interests well.
The “Mount Rushmore of Forgettable Actors” is conceived at [MCN] and while I disagree with some of the names on the list, it is a mildly intriguing concept at least.
Since almost everybody knows about this by now, I went straight to the source [Variety] for the news that X-Men Origins: Wolverine has been leaked online. Check the torrent sites to see it early. But I don’t advocate that. I’ll tell you what’s up but leave the ethical/moral part to you.
Christopher Nolan has a lead for his next project, and it is not Christian Bale, therefore it is not another Batman film. But, he gets an even bigger star (debatable as of today) and better actor (I don’t think this is debatable – just yet) in Leonardo DiCaprio for a science fiction film titled Inception. Leo gets to take a break from spending time with current SI swimsuit cover girl, Bar Rafaeli, or maybe he will use his trailer as a pre-shoot warm-up, but that’s a little off-topic. Little is known about the film’s script itself as it is more kept under wraps than my brilliant work, but Variety reports that Warner Brothers calls it:
a contemporary sci-fi actioner set within the architecture of the mind.
Way to keep us in suspense. At least this tight lipped-ness (word?) leads to a certain level of intrigue for us. If nothing else, I am eager to see Leo work with Nolan and honestly, for Chris to escape the Batman franchise for a spell. Not that I don’t want him back at the helm of another edition to follow-up on The Dark Knight, but I, like him in all likelihood, am ready to see him tackle other fare. Nolan has proven he is one of the best directors going today and pairing him with an actor of Leo’s caliber certainly makes sense.
Conversely, Leo, who will next be seen in Shutter Island with Scorcese yet again, could stand to continue to branch out his talents with other directors, so I am glad to see that is happening. Leo’s work in Revolutionary Road was highly underrated, I think warranting an Oscar nomination. He was better than Brad Pitt in my mind, even though I liked that sacharrin performance he gave in “Button.” What do you think, is this something to automatically get on board with? Do you need anything more than Leo and Nolan in the same sentence to sell a pic? I suspect not but do tell.
