How do I begin to review a movie that literally left me speechless?
And no, not speechless in a bad way. It left me angry, anxious, tense... a multitude of emotions that can be summed up in one word: intense. Or perhaps "passionate," which is exactly what most filmmakers want their audiences to feel. Whether people love or hate a movie (and I'm sure most studios are leaning toward the love side), filmmakers want people to talk--either way, it will get people interested. And people have definitely been talking about Inception. It's been one of the highest Twitter trending topics since last week, and I've seen countless posts and statuses about it. Oh, not to mention it nabbed the top spot at the weekend box office.
All I have to say is: All the talk? Yeah, it's definitely deserving. I had high expectations for this movie. I was intrigued ever since the first trailer, which left people wondering "wtf is this about?" so I went to the first midnight showing (in IMAX, no less). I'm a difficult one to please when it comes to movies. I watch all types--and often--and while I can enjoy a stupid virginal, teenage comedy or the uber-predictable nature of most romantic comedies now and then, there is nothing better than something original.
From the first minutes of Inception, the audience in my theater was so involved. You normally hear chatter or see those couples in the corner seats all over each other, but everyone--and I mean everyone--was so focused on the film. People were even leaned forward, squinting at the screen with hands on their chins and perplexed looks on their faces. While the film matter was deep and many tend to get lost in this type of film (especially at 2 am, since the movie had a run time of 2.5 hours!), it moved so quickly and you almost want to get lost so you feel as if you're in the dreams with the characters.
All of the performances were amazing. You already know my affection for Leonardo DiCaprio by now--and I can say that he definitely did not disappoint--so there's no need for me to harp on his brilliance. The biggest surprise, though, was Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Most people only know him from 10 Things I Hate About You and Third Rock, but I actually followed his career and have seen some lesser-known stellar performances from him (I recommend Mysterious Skin and recent favorite (500) Days of Summer). I knew he was a talented actor, but it was great to see him hold his own against Leo's force on screen. He provided comic relief and his action sequences were so amazing that I'm still trying to figure out how they were filmed! Ellen Page, another indie favorite, was also a good challenge opposite Leo's Cobb. And although people keep calling her (well, her character) crazy, Marion Cotillard was also superb. I have to add, she's sooo beautiful (and lucky! Her last two films have been opposite two of the best--and my favorite--actors in the business, Johnny and Leo). She was great in Public Enemies, but I never really took notice of her until this. Every time she was on screen you are simply drawn to her.
I don't want to give away too much of the plot, though I don't think it would make a difference even if I did because you have to see it. The construction of dreams, dreams within dreams, dreams versus reality... it's there, and it's deep. Psychological suspense. Crime. Action. Love. Guilt. But it's all blended in a way that leaves you feeling something new. While many are comparing it to the Matrix and other alternate reality films, there isn't anything quite like Inception.
After the screen cut to black, I heard grunts from the audience immediately followed by applause. The ending left the audience so angry (in the best way possible, that passion I was talking about) and wanting more, even just 5 more seconds to settle what they thought they might have known all along. It wasn't even a horror film, but I couldn't sleep that night--not for fear that Leo would be invading my dreams, lol--but sheer excitement and rethinking and replaying and just... I just could not stop thinking about it. I can't remember the last time a movie made me feel that way, and it was refreshing. Inception is worth all of the hype (if not more), and you should definitely make your way to see it on the big screen! Overall Rating: A.
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