A Dream Odyssey

Rating: 10/10 (8 August 2010)

I've sometimes heard Christopher Nolan been compared to Stanley Kubrick. Even though their films may not have that much in common, the two directors do have some similarities. As Kubrick did, Christopher Nolan also handles the producing and directing, as well as developing the screenplay of the film. And as Kubrick did, Nolan also characterizes his films with original and distinctive (even ingenious) pictures. Both directors have an identifiable style of bringing their visions to the screen. I never saw a Kubrick –film I didn't like, and so far I haven't seen a Nolan –film that I haven't liked.
Inception introduces us to a world where technology exists to enter the human mind through dream invasion. Dom Cobb (Di Caprio) is a professional thief who uses this technology to steal valuable secrets from deep within the subconscious during the dream state. This ability of his has also made Cobb an international fugitive and cost him everything that's dear to him. Now he's being offered a chance to get his life back by completing one last job. But instead of stealing an idea, he needs to plant one. Cobb gathers his team of specialists in order to succeed in this operation which is called "inception" and seems to be considered something that is impossible to do.
From the beginning to the end, Inception is an extremely fascinating entirety. A story that takes place in a dream has a lot of possibilities, because in dreams practically everything is possible. This might also be a stumbling block for some film-makers as one could easily make the mistake of exaggerating with special effects or relying too much on CGI when portraying the dreams. However, this film doesn't indulge in those kinds of things as it also leaves room for interpersonal chemistry, a bit of joking and dry humor and even an elegant little love story. The film has the proper amount of action and showy special effects. Accompanied by Hans Zimmer's sturdy (and yet so beautiful) score and some very stylish cinematography (the dream scenes in the hotel are simply amazing!), the film absorbs the viewer into the dream odyssey. The story has its complexities so also stay alert and use your brains when watching Inception.
The crew has managed to pick a very charming cast. DiCaprio does his leading role nicely. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, Ken Watanabe, Marion Cotillard, Cillian Murphy and Dileep Rao are pleasant to watch and Michael Caine brings an extra-amount of charisma to the screen. Everyone does their job well above average.
Inception is a film that I would call a classic. This film is smart, original and entertaining. For me Stanley Kubrick had all the features of a perfect film maker. And seriously, I think Christopher Nolan is showing some similar features.
10/10