Nifty premise, a fun movie, but not perfect

Rating: 7/10 (20 April 2011)

I have to admit, this is a first for me, a movie about the world of dreams. Plotwise pretty original, though I can't honestly say I remember the plot of DREAMSCAPE from 1984. The special effects are dazzling, naturally, and the plot is fun. You don't even care whether or not it's possible to "control" the course of your dreams (I've found it impossible), let alone the "layering" of dreams. Each layer has a different landscape, and anyone who loves action and battles and stunts will enjoy this.
It's not perfect. They never explain the apparatus used in inducing sleep. Is it some kind of intravenous device? Also, the moral implications of invading a rich man's mind and plant an idea (intellectual rape IMO) for the benefit of another rich man are never discussed. I suppose I am to keep in mind that these are professional thieves working for corporate pigs who don't give a crap about ethics.
Though Cillian Murphy gives his all, his character is not given an opportunity to be anything more than the victim in a conspiracy. He really isn't afforded a chance to be a solid individual, and if you're familiar with his work, you've come to expect character, not just actions, even in a Chris Nolan movie (his Scarecrow was the most amusing ingredient in BATMAN BEGINS). Like one review said, Murphy's reaction to his father's actions regarding a second will (which is nothing more than an implantation by his greedy peer Saito) was cut short before it could have any true emotional impact on viewers.
Actually, aside from Cobb and Mal (see below) none of the characters are truly developed as individuals. Sure, you get a funny little homoerotic vibe between Eames (Tom Hardy) and Arthur (Joseph Gordon Leavitt), and Ellen Page, like Murphy, tries to lend her depth to the architect Ariadne. Still...
If not for the mangled emotions of Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) over his beautiful late wife Mal (Marion Cotillard), this film might have been nothing but action. DiCaprio and Cotillard are honestly the only two actors who are really given more to do than just action sequences. Their complex relationship, before and after Mal's demise, is a very surprising and beautiful and necessary part of the film.
I've asked myself whether INCEPTION is fiendishly clever and original or completely ridiculous. In some ways, it's both. Some elements disappointed, but I can't say I didn't buy it or that I don't enjoy watching it every few months.