A dazzling, ever-turning journey that continues beyond the credits.

Rating: Null/10 (7 January 2011)

In looking at Inception almost six months since its release, some answers develop while many questions remain. Having seen the film three times now, I must confess that I still don't completely understand every plot thread and story line. In fact, while learning more and understanding about threads I was unsure of previously, I now have other questions that didn't even cross my mind the first two times I watched it. Such is the nature of a very complex, multi-layered and challenging film.
To say Inception is challenging is a gross understatement; what writer/director Christopher Nolan attempts to do with this story of dream thieves invading a man's subconscious to implant an idea is so far above and beyond nearly every other filmmaker working today that it should be admired strictly on that level. Indeed, right from the get-go we are thrust into this world where seemingly anything is possible. This atmosphere throws off the audience completely; we are now totally in the hands of Nolan and where he decides to take us.
As the story progresses, we are given tight, helpful exposition that at times appears to simply pad the running time yet in the end is vitally important to understanding every aspect of what we have seen. With such a premise, Nolan is able to take wild fleets of fancy and his visual style has never been more perfectly realized than here. Each layer of the dream has its own distinct style, wisely constructed in a straight-forward and understandable manner. Some critique the film for not being strange or unpredictable enough, yet if it was could anyone understand it? In the end, what Inception offers to audiences is a challenging, thought-provoking journey that isn't just about a team trying to plant inception nor is it just about Dom Cobb's attempt to get to America to see his children. What Nolan is able to do on a subconscious and psychological level is pretty astounding; there are numerous elements and symbols most won't be able to see even after multiple viewings. To some this will not be entertaining or worthwhile. But there will always be a small niche in the market for those who go to the movies to see the art-form be stretched and expanded to its limits and potential. Nolan's film certainly does that and while it will easily distract and polarize many people, if one looks hard enough and with the right mindset, I believe one will see things and understand what Nolan wants us to glean from this, whatever that may be.