Inception

Inception is the rarest of all Hollywood movies—a truly original idea or concept. In an increasing age of remakes, retreads and sequels, Inception is indeed a breath of fresh air. It was released this past summer and was a shock to most industry insiders. Inception does not fit the profile of the typical summer blockbuster, which often offers nonstop action, explosions, and special effects. Don’t get me wrong. This film does contain it’s share of these elements; however, what separates Inception from most typical Hollywood formula movies is that it is smart, intelligent and though-provoking. Yes, it will require you pay attention and to think, a lot.

Unlike most popcorn movies, Inception is about something. That something will be up to each viewer to discover and decipher. Frankly, it’s quite surprising that a film of this nature would ever be released during the summer months. Warner Brothers Pictures took a huge gamble with a budget approaching $160 million in play. Having Leonardo DiCaprio and director Christopher Nolan on board probably helped to ease the anxiety of the executives over at Warner. The end result was a smash hit. To date, Inception has grossed over $290 million domestically in North America. Let’s hope other studios will take Warner Brothers lead in offering more original content.

Without giving too much of the story away, Inception takes place in a world where technology makes it possible to access the subconscious and invade an individual’s dreams. Dominick Cobb, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, has been hired by Mr. Saito, a Japanese businessman played by Ken Watanabe. Cobb engages in corporate espionage for a fee. Cobb and his team are contracted to implant a thought into the subconscious mind of Saito’s competitor, Robert Fischer, without his knowledge. The catch is Fischer must believe the thought originated in his own mind.

The only way this can be accomplished is by accessing a dream within a dream that is within a dream. It involves going down several levels of the subconscious to access the hidden parts of the mind. Along the way, Cobb and his team will face an array of obstacles because within our dreams are also our fears and painful memories that get in our way and must be reconciled. As I said, this is complicated stuff.

Some critics have argued that Inception isn’t really that original—that it’s all been done before in other movies. I think they have missed the point completely. Inception contains truth that is applicable to our present reality. Whether the filmmakers intended to say this or not, it is a reflection of the modern society in which we live. First, it suggests that we are all controllable. Second, there are forces or individuals that for their own means and purposes wish to control us. Third, for the most part, we are unaware of this. And, finally, as the title, Inception, suggests, an idea or concept can be planted into the subconscious and influence us. And on another level, the movie suggests what we have buried deep in our subconscious ultimately will control our actions, and we are unaware of it. On a spiritual level, I’m convinced that a case can be made that today’s media is engaging in the same activity that’s portrayed in the film.

Inception proves that there is an audience for intelligent films. Inception will challenge you to question what you really think is true about what you believe and which reality is true. The bottom line is that if you are looking for a highly entertaining and visually striking film that will keep you guessing, you will do no better than this film. It is currently available both on Blu-Ray and DVD.