Inception was one heck of a ride. There were definitely layers within layers (within layers) but at the core I feel that the story was not directly dealing with the dream landscape but rather is a device by which we get to the heart of the story – a story that taps real (not imagined) human emotions such as longing, loss and guilt. At least, that is what I took away from the film.
I do not want to discuss the plot elements for fear of divulging too many details. If you have seen the trailer, that should provide an interesting entree into what you can expect from the film. Anything else I would attempt to articulate would do not do the movie justice and possibly spoil it for others.
As for the performances, everyone seemed properly cast in their roles. Leonardo DiCaprio has really come into his own as an actor and he is going to go from strength to strength. There is no mistaking that this is an ensemble cast anchored by a central character’s conflict. They all do a magnificent job in orbiting this world that Nolan has created; how could you really go wrong with talents such as Cillian Murphy, Ellen Paige, Michael Caine, Marion Cotillard et al? A stand out performance for me was that of Joseph Gordon Levitt (dude from the television series 3rd Rock from the Sun). He provided more than one chuckle-worthy moment and had probably the best “action” sequence (non-CGI) in recent memory. At the end of one of the longer parts of the sequence, the audience ripped into rapturous applause.
As for the auteur, writer/director Christopher Nolan – I will not belabor you all by talking about what a genius he is, etc. I think enough has been said in that regard. Just know that this film does not disappoint and adds to the tremendous filmography that he has produced over the couple of decades.
In the end, I am recommending that you do go into watching the movie bearing this in mind – it is a story of ideas. Yes it maybe could have been presented in a less mind-bending manner but that is part of the fun – it is a thought exercise in which you are left to answer questions about the plot – are we dreaming, etc. They leave you wondering what way is up and exactly what is that line between reality and what we want to be real. And we arrive at that place exhilarated and wanting more.
*Side note: in some ways I am reminded of The Twilight Zone in particular episodes such as “Perchance to Dream,” “Shadow Play” and the like. Those are just the ones that immediately come to mind.
Trailer Madness!
By now, you know that the blogosphere and the internet in general is all abuzz with the first trailer for Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Combined with the weekend release of the trailer for The Dark Knight Rises, and you see why movie fans are celebrating … it is like we have had our holiday prezzies come a few days early
The Dark Knight Rises: For whatever reason I delayed seeing the preview for the final installment of Nolan’s Batman trilogy until this evening. And having just watched it, I must admit that while I am overall thrilled and intrigued by it, for some reason, I was not as excited as I had anticipated. For one, I think I experienced a syndrome that I have just decided to dub ‘recognizable actor overload,’ or RAO for short. In addition, there seemed to be a whole lot of stuff going on – too much for me to keep up with; in other words, Which of his foes will threaten our favorite caped crusader and cause him the greatest degree of peril? Guess we will find out in a few short months.
Trailer reservations aside, when it comes time for the actual movie, I am certain that the finished Christopher Nolan product will please.
I do not know much about the plot, all I can say is what the above poster indicates: The Legend Ends. Intense.
The Hobbit, on the other hand, was a bit more satisfying. And this reaction REALLY surprises me. To be clear, I am not a devotee of Tolkien and have only just managed to get through the novel, The Hobbit, and have not considered the remaining books in the LOTR saga for any future reading lists. But as far as this movie teaser goes, I found it really charming. It has been said many times before, but Martin Freeman was born to be Bilbo!
You may gather some of this from the trailer but for the truly uninitiated, here is a little synopsis (courtesy of Warner Bros.):
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey follows title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakensheild. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers. Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever … Gollum. Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths ofguile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities … A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.
2011 is not even done and I am eagerly anticipating the latter half of 2012!
What do you think? Please share your reactions below.