The film held my interest, kept me in suspense, and made me question whether or not it would be possible for extraction or inception to occur.

Rating: Null/10 (3 August 2013)

The 2010 science fiction film "Inception" was written, co-produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan. "Inception" has large ensemble cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio as Dominick "Dom" Cobb, the extractor. He is a professional thief specializing in stealing secrets by infiltrating the dreams of his victims. Ken Watanabe stars as Mr. Satio. He is a Japanese businessman who hires Cobb and his team for a very specific job. Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars as Arthur one of the members of Cobb's team. Ellen Page, who I loved in "Juno", stars as Ariadne the newest member of Cobb's team. Marion Cotillard plays Mal. Mal is Dom Cobb's deceased wife. Cillian Murphy stars as Robert Michael Fischer, Jr. He is the only heir to a business empire, and Cobb's next target, the victim that Mr. Satio has hired Cobb to infiltrate. The cast includes several additional members including Michael Caine, from "The Cider House Rules", as Professor Stephen Miles, Cobb's father-in-law. The story centers on Mr. Satio's desire to have Cobb and his team infiltrate the mind of Robert Michael Fischer, Jr. through a level of dreams to plant an idea in his subconscious, the act of inception. Cobb must except this job, and complete the task at hand, if he hopes to be reunited with his children. The story takes many twists and turns throughout the film.
The theme of the story is the idea that people can share a dream. Not only can a dream be shared, but information can be extracted from one individual's mind by another individual, through a dream. This idea is taken a step further by suggesting that in addition to extracting information; it is also possible for one individual to plant an idea into the subconscious mind of another individual. This film explores the reality of such a process, as well as, the dangers involved in performing the act. The film addresses the serious ramifications of such a manipulation. If I were to relate "Inception" to another film of the same genre, I would choose "The Matrix". In "The Matrix" the mind is also manipulated. The method may not be the same, but dangers to the mind certainly exist in both films.
Many scenes were shot in slow motion to allow the viewer to follow the action. This technique was used to stretch the moment and intensify the effectiveness of the scene. In some scenes, the use of slow motion exaggerated the actors' movements. The viewer is then able to see the exhaustion or frustration of the characters, while they try to accomplish certain tasks. Sound was often used to intensify the transition from one scene to another. At various times throughout the film, sound was used to build suspense or set the tone. The film began with intense music. I could feel the suspense building.
Although I am not a big fan of science fiction films, I felt that "Inception" was well made. I thought that Leonardo DiCaprio was outstanding in this film. He was believable as Dom Cobb. The film held my interest, kept me in suspense, and made me question whether or not it would be possible for extraction or inception to occur.