"Inception" the exception

Once in a while, a movie comes out changing the way that you look at film as a whole. In 1993, it was “Jurassic Park”; in 1999, “The Matrix”. Last year it was “Avatar”. Usually I hate these films, thinking they are showy and hollow instead of multi-dimensional, or rehashes of old stories with pretty effects thrown in for attention.

I’m extremely overjoyed to report that “Inception” is the EXception. And it comes as no surprise at all that it’s delivered courtesy of the greatest director working today (sorry, Marty) – Christopher Nolan.

If you are only familiar with Nolan as the director of “The Dark Knight”, you may walk out of “Inception” feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck. I admit it’s not the always the easiest film to follow. The general gist (and that’s all I’ll reveal) is the main character, Cobb, (Leonardo DiCaprio, minus the additional ‘r’) plays a manipulator of the mind (the worst kind) who steals and exploits your secrets as you sleep. Revealing more would ruin the experience (which, depending on your pov, may or may not be “fun”).

This is the Nolan of the ultimate mind-fuck. But whereas “The Following” and “Memento” messed with your mind, this film also messes with your heart. (I will admit I did cry.) Cobb is a troubled soul with demons as always, but one of his ghosts is personified as his wife, Mal (the wonderful Marion Cotillard).

The reason why it’s difficult to really describe “Inception” is because I don’t really think I’ve ever seen anything like it. The premise is original and stays with you long after you leave the theater, two and a half hours after you sat down. The cast is amazing, from Leo to Joseph Gordon-Levitt to Ellen Page and on and on. The effects are awesome, as the viewer and the characters are literally tossed every which way.

Here’s a note about the ending: whatever you think it is, that’s what it is. And that’s both the whole point and the greatest gift. It has no big bow, and if you expect one, don’t bother. This film requires your attention from start to finish, and if you don’t give it, then you won’t get it.

The only downside of the film (a really small one at that), is that DiCaprio’s portrayal of Cobb is quite a bit similar to one he gave earlier this year, in that pile of dreck called “Shutter Island”. When “Inception” ended, my first thought was that this was what SI SHOULD have been. But, upon further reflection, it’s what ALL films should be – and directors (and writers, as Nolan also penned it).

Given that the Oscars now have expanded to 10 films for Best Picture (which many call “The Dark Knight Rule”), I feel safe in saying that Nolan is a LOCK for a nomination, as is the film. I can’t wait to see if any film can “top” it.