My First Proper Review

INCEPTION

Every now and then, a film comes along that makes you remember why you love movies. Something clicks to let you know you have witnessed pure creation from some of the brightest minds in the business. This is one of those moments.

Christopher Nolan has proved time and time again that he is a clinical maestro when it comes to film-making. For starters, you have The Dark Knight - still very fresh in the minds of viewers. Add Insomnia and Memento, along with The Prestige, and you have a line-up gracing the majority of film lovers’ collections. Even before the release of Inception, the expectation for Nolan to deliver a movie of five star quality was sky high. I actually believe that this is, without doubt, his finest production to date.

The idea is a simple one: corporate espionage has reached another level in a world where the dream can be entered - not even your deepest secrets and ideas are safe. To try and explain the plot would be a lost cause, as it would take 20 pages to do it justice. It really is one of the most detailed storylines I have ever witnessed on screen - unravelling at a relentless speed, while remaining at an almost perfect pace to keep you 100 percent involved. Throughout the entire two hours and 28 minutes, not once did I think or wonder when the ending was coming.

The action scenes are wonderfully shot - they provide a balance to the developing storyline, only arriving when you feel they should and not just for the sake of blowing something up… á la Michael Bay. Each element involved in the movie is as close to ideal as it could be.

The cast deserves every ounce of credit they will receive, as each member plays his/ her role to the highest calibre. Leonardo DiCaprio (Cobb) is at his very best as the leading man with trouble letting go of his past, providing a performance worthy of a nod when Oscar season rolls around. Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Arthur) proves he has a real depth to his talent as the right-hand man to DiCaprio. Ellen Page (Ariadne) shows why she has been touted as one of the leading female stars of the future. I should also mention Brit actor Tom Hardy in the role of Eames, who provides light comedy relief while holding a dominating, yet suave, presence for every second of screen time.

One performance that does not usually gain the recognition it deserves should also be praised here - the composer. Hans Zimmer gives the film an extra dimension, using his impeccable talent to set each scene with the desired feel throughout - something that undoubtedly added that little bit extra to the viewing experience.

If I were to offer one minor criticism, it would be that the complex storyline progresses at such a pace that a momentary lapse of concentration could result in missing a key plot point – make sure you go to the toilet before the film starts!
That aside, its is really hard to find fault with any other aspect of Inception - it is possibly the perfect movie. The ending suits the mentality of the movie, without leaving you frustrated or short-changed, the visuals are stunning throughout and the story is as brilliant as it is intricate. This proves that in a time of sequels, remakes and reboots, something original and intelligent can still come along and blow you away. Christopher Nolan has written a masterpiece that may be studied by media schools in years to come and I urge you to experience it – you will not be disappointed.