Some thoughts on "Inception"
July 18 2010, 8:53 AM
I'll try to prevent any spoilers from leaking in here since the film is
just out and try to talk only about things I've read or seen in trailers or
that don't ruin any surprises. * It's a Science Fiction (sf) film, but there is little futuristic about
it. It is more of a fantasy film. It is also a caper/film noir film, from
the assembly of a crack team to the notion of one last job to the morally
ambiguous or amoral characters right down to the ending. (Oh, and lots of
rain). * Not only is it multiple genres, but there are a number of films within
the film. You'll just have to check it out: I don't want to spoil that. * the film is a meditation on mazes. The more I thought about the film, the
more that comes up. Mazes, levels, things nested, even the name of Ellen
page's character relates to that. * Styistically it reminded me of The Dark Knight. Nolan's view of the world
is one that is very orderly and neat and uniform and lean and
monochromatic. Also dark.
Not bright or chaotic or garish or tacky or ironic. His is a "fitted"
world. There is no "Joker" in this world. No villian either, although
Cobb's (Dicaprio's) wife is an element of chaos (or is she?). Like many
caper films, you have a tight team with a tight plan and...and then
something comes undone. * Nolan (the director) likes to use the same actors or some of them from
film to film. It was good to see Michael Caine here (also in Batman) and
someone who know his work said he does this a lot. I need to see more of
Nolan's films to see if I recognize more. I liked the cast a lot, although they almost felt too young for me. Then
again, too many action films - and this film is also that - are starred
with middle aged guys. If Hollywood wants to keep making action films they
will need younger action stars (I.e. Not Stallone or Jackie Chan). * when you watch it, do you think: sequel? * it is a complex film that is also fast paced, but Nolan (who also wrote
it) keeps it clear without losing any of the pacing by slowing it down to
explain. In fact the pace made a long film move along quickly. * like SF films about time travel, SF films about dreams run the risks of
paradoxes. I think this film steers clear of most of them, but I haven't
talked to anyone about it yet: there could be some I missed. * there is something missing from the film, some emotional element, that
kept me detached from the characters from the film. It was interesting
watching them and the film is fascinating, but I found it hard to warm up
to them. I could say more but I don't want to spoil it if you haven't seen it.
Enjoy.
-----------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Handheld.
just out and try to talk only about things I've read or seen in trailers or
that don't ruin any surprises. * It's a Science Fiction (sf) film, but there is little futuristic about
it. It is more of a fantasy film. It is also a caper/film noir film, from
the assembly of a crack team to the notion of one last job to the morally
ambiguous or amoral characters right down to the ending. (Oh, and lots of
rain). * Not only is it multiple genres, but there are a number of films within
the film. You'll just have to check it out: I don't want to spoil that. * the film is a meditation on mazes. The more I thought about the film, the
more that comes up. Mazes, levels, things nested, even the name of Ellen
page's character relates to that. * Styistically it reminded me of The Dark Knight. Nolan's view of the world
is one that is very orderly and neat and uniform and lean and
monochromatic. Also dark.
Not bright or chaotic or garish or tacky or ironic. His is a "fitted"
world. There is no "Joker" in this world. No villian either, although
Cobb's (Dicaprio's) wife is an element of chaos (or is she?). Like many
caper films, you have a tight team with a tight plan and...and then
something comes undone. * Nolan (the director) likes to use the same actors or some of them from
film to film. It was good to see Michael Caine here (also in Batman) and
someone who know his work said he does this a lot. I need to see more of
Nolan's films to see if I recognize more. I liked the cast a lot, although they almost felt too young for me. Then
again, too many action films - and this film is also that - are starred
with middle aged guys. If Hollywood wants to keep making action films they
will need younger action stars (I.e. Not Stallone or Jackie Chan). * when you watch it, do you think: sequel? * it is a complex film that is also fast paced, but Nolan (who also wrote
it) keeps it clear without losing any of the pacing by slowing it down to
explain. In fact the pace made a long film move along quickly. * like SF films about time travel, SF films about dreams run the risks of
paradoxes. I think this film steers clear of most of them, but I haven't
talked to anyone about it yet: there could be some I missed. * there is something missing from the film, some emotional element, that
kept me detached from the characters from the film. It was interesting
watching them and the film is fascinating, but I found it hard to warm up
to them. I could say more but I don't want to spoil it if you haven't seen it.
Enjoy.
-----------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Handheld.