Sunday Morning Musings

Saturday afternoon I took my boys (ages 12 and 16) to see Inception. It is the motion picture that has been blowing the roof off of the dump since it came out. We were not disappointed.

The Official Website's synopsis reads: "Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a skilled thief, the best in the dangerous world of extraction: stealing valuable secrets from deep within the subconscious during the dream state when the mind is at it's most vulnerable. Cobb's rare ability has made him a coveted player in the treacherous new world of corporate espionage, but it has also made him an international fugitive and cost him everything that 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."

The film is very good, but you know all of that already. It is currently the number one film in America. It has been labeled mind-blowing, head-tripping, visually spectacular, etc., etc. I didn't blog on this film to add to the heap of high praise that Christopher Nolan and his crew have been rightfully receiving since it's release. Instead, I just wanted to give you my spin on just why I think that is.

First of all, it is a thinking-person's film. Many have warned that the film is difficult to follow, and it is that. Yet, it isn't that difficult. Some films you attend and you know that you can check your mind at the door. There is a time and place for that. Sometimes you go to a film to be challenged; to be taken to another place; another level. This one does exactly that. Three levels, in fact.

The film is well-written and well-crafted. It will help you stay with the story as the collection of both new and veteran actors take you though the action. It was good to see Lucas Haas, Michael Caine and Tom Berringer. On the other side of the coin, Ellen Page is something special on screen, as is Cillian Murphy. I must admit that I have never gotten all that excited simply because Leo was a member of a cast, but he was excellent. He carried this film well.

One of the other reasons why I appreciated this film so much was because it was different. Now, by that I do not mean that people wore odd costumes and sported weird hair. What I mean is in an age where everything is a sequel, a remake (I believe "reboot" is the new, sexier term), or just an excuse to film for 3D, along comes Christopher Nolan with a completely original thought.

I saw, Avatar, of course. However, I do not plan to see it again any time soon...or perhaps ever. We saw that one in Imax and it was an experience, too. Yet, it was only the spectacle. The story, plot, twists and turns were all expected. Inception amazes and surprises, and I already have a spot in my DVD library for where it should sit.

My congratulations to Mr. Nolan, Mr. DiCaprio, et al. Very well done, indeed.

We'll talk soon.