Inception (Christopher Nolan, 2010): USA

Reviewed by Katharina Martin. Viewed at the Santa Barbara Film Festival 2011.

Inception was screened at the Santa Barbara Film Festival as a tribute to Christopher Nolan receiving the Master Award later that night. Although I had seen this movie several times before, I find that every time I watch it I notice something new. Whether I missed a plot detail, a mise-en-scene element , or simply by glimpsing the genius behind each detail in this movie, I enjoy it every time. Many people claim to have a distaste for this movie, in that its a little too much for them. I can see why this movie would be hard to like for some. The plot is very complex, requiring  mind that can quickly grasp the information given at a rapid pace. There are key elements to this film, and if one of them are missed, much of the impact is lost. Still, it is flawlessly put together, and once the viewer fully grasps the concept they can see the true mastery behind this feature. Inception is a classic example of Nolan’s storytelling style, and stands to claim the title of a masterpiece.

Christopher Nolan begins this story by introducing the main character, played by Leonardo Di Caprio, Dom Cobb. As Cobb washes up on what Nolan depicts as “the shores of his subconscious”, the audience is instantly unhinged from reality. As we are taken through the complex art of inception, a story that keeps everyone on the edge of their seat begins to unfold. Nolan develops his characters carefully, giving each one a unique personality that adds to the movie in its entirety. In doing this, the story is taken to another level. The performances in this movie translate every emotion their characters experience perfectly onto the screen. When the attention was not on the actors, the action was presented just as flawlessly as the actors. By relying more on in-camera work rather than digitally creating special effects, the movie retains a realistic quality that enhances the quixotic nature of the story being told.

Once again, Christopher Nolan has set a standard for film. He has proven to have a multitude of qualities many filmmakers have to hire other people to help them with. Because of his genius and all-around savvy, Nolan achieves mastery of his art that will be remembered throughout the years.

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Published:
02.14.11 / 8am
Category:
Films, Santa Barbara Film Festival 2011