INCEPTION Review Thread (SPOILERS!!)

[Petra_Kalbrain]

Originally Posted by Foggy

It would, but I do have to say,

[Show spoiler]that if Nolan's intention was to show him getting over grief and guilt, then why make such a key segment of his movie about Cobb trying to get back to his kids, I mean it's the whole drive of the film. I still think the best explanation of the end is that it's a metaphor that his dream has come true yet the little stumble is to show it's real. I don't Nolan would tease us like this is it meant nothing.

Psychologly 101!

[Show spoiler]When it comes to the subconscious mind, if it knows what it needs in order to survive and that is something that the conscious self is very uncomfortable in dealing with, the conscious self will redirect that energy towards something else. Often, that something else seems to be a point of pleasure and enjoyment for the individual. When, in fact it's mearely a temporary substitute. For example, let's say that Cobb didn't have the confrontation with Mal in limbo and was still able to pull off the job. Do you honestly believe that he would have been able to go back to his kids in the real world (since Saito would have honoured the agreement) and be happy? Not likely. In fact, his guilt over Mal would probably have ruined his relationship with his kids. They are, after all, VERY REAL REPRESENTATIONS of his relationship with Mal. Then he'd be facing guilt demons on both ends of the spectrum. That would be a cocktail for disaster!

This is exactly why I cannot see any of that part of the film after Saito picks up the gun as anything other than inconsequential exposition. It's there only to serve the purpose of showing our hero enjoying his spoils and not worrying about where in the conscious/unconscious realm those spoils are located.

[Petra_Kalbrain]

Wow... have I lost track of time in here!

I've been up for just shy of 36 hours straight now! I need some serious 3 level deep sleep!!!

P.S. Keep spreading the word in my absence my pupils.

[tilapiah6]

I would like to start out by saying this is undoubtedly one of the best movies I've seen in years. This very well may be Nolan's magnum opus, unless he one day tops it. From the very beginning, it sucks you into Nolan's vision, and doesn't let go until the end. The acting, story, soundtrack, etc were stunningly perfect. If this movie doesn't clean out during awards season, I will be shocked.

I'm pretty thrilled by all of the theories on this thread! You guys are bringing up some exceptional ideas, and are the main cause of me wanting to see it a second time, today.

Lastly, Petra, I believe you have 100% nailed Nolan's intentions with this post:

Originally Posted by Petra_Kalbrain

JUST GOT HOME FROM 2nd VIEWING IN LESS THAN 24 HOURS WITHOUT SLEEPING IN BETWEEN! MY MIND IS AWASH WITH IDEAS!



Not possible in the slightest.

[Show spoiler]When the father introduces her, both her and the father are occupying the same general space as one another. It's highly doubtful that one of the two could be a projection and still maintain the illusion properly in Cobb's mind.

So... basically... what Buddy Christ said...



As for Versatil...



I unequivocally disagree with you. I think that a lot of people are missing the real point of the story. Upon my second viewing I paid VERY CLOSE ATTENTION to the ending (

[Show spoiler]from old man Saito picking up the gun onwards

). And here's what I discovered:

[Show spoiler]#1. You never see any shot fired from the gun. Therefore, you never know if either Saito or Cobb actually pulled the trigger.

#2. Cobb waking up in the plane has everyone looking very unaffected by what has all just happened. Very blank faces... EXCEPT FOR SAITO!

#3. Lots of jump cutting from place to place without any substantial plot action until the children turn around.

#4. Cobb isn't quite certain about his surroundings until he sees his kids faces, at which point it really does't matter.

#5. The obvious observation: the top teeters but is never seen making a full stop.

So, with all that laid out, here's what I think Nolan honestly has done with the ending. HE HAS MADE A DEFINITIVE STATEMENT WITH THE LAST SHOT! HE DOESN'T LEAVE IT OPEN FOR INTERPRETATION! And here is why...

[Show spoiler]Having watched it for a second time I have come to realize that the journey of the entire film is actually Cobb coming to terms with his guilt for incepting his wife with the idea that her reality isn't real. Once he let's go of that guilt by denying his projection of that guilt (the only Mal we ever see aside from her suicide jump scene) the opportunity to fester and grow in his subconscious any longer, he can live a happy life regardless of where his subconscious seems to be residing. THINK ABOUT IT PEOPLE. The human psychology can handle quite a bit, but can turn ones life into a literal nightmare. And to overcome such a nightmare is to find peace and contentment.

Is Cobb in limbo? Is Cobb in reality? Most importantly, is it really that important? Hell no! He was able to improve his way of life through a painful self-awareness and difficult acceptance. That is why everything from the moment that the old Saito picks up the gun, everything becomes vague. Nolan only cares about showing that the man we have watched struggle is infinitely more happy now than he ever remembers being. Nothing beyond that single moment counts for anything to the story except blantantly fluff exposition to show our hero's new perspective on life... whatever (or, more appropriately, wherever) that life may be.

To put it into lamens terms, Cobb is finally able to be happy both consciously and subconsciously since he has dealt with his long caged and ever growing guilt. So, it doesn't matter if the top falls or keeps going infinitely.

Holy crow... I can't believe that I may go see this again for a 3rd time in 3 days! Am I ?

[Buddy Christ]

Originally Posted by Petra_Kalbrain

If Nolan's intention was to make a film about a man getting back to his children, he would have

[Show spoiler]shown Cobb and Saito using the gun. He would have shown Saito actually making the full call and not just dialing a number or two. He would have shown some reaction from his team in seeing him come back. He may have even shown us the extension of the final top shot. But, either way, the top is best left as it is. All of that stuff you talked about doesn't matter since our hero was not defeated by himself. I think the bigger question becomes "What would have happened had he not rejected Mal (his guilt)?" In that case, there is only one answer... LIMBO FOREVER! Therefore, that is the pivotal point of the story. In overcoming his guilt he is free. Whatever happens after that is inconsequential. He is now going to be happy in whatever environment he exists in.

[Show spoiler]Why are you consumed with the gun scene? We DO see it poised to be used by the words they repeat to each other the quote about waiting alone in guilt. Cobb says they have to get out of there. Saito was older cause HE was in limbo dead and Cobb was not. The fact that they do not "show" the gun being used is no argument that it was not used, but the camera panned to it. Otherwise why show the gun? I think many are looking WAY to much into this film. I think it is much much simpler than that. The pailnest explanation is the obvious one.
I have no questions unanswered about this movie.

Man feels responsible for wife's death.
Through the same means he "killed" her he finds redemption.
He was not dreaming the whole time(too many levels!)
They do use the gun to kick themselves out(how else do Saito and Cobb end up on the plane at the same time?

Story over

[househead]

Originally Posted by cajmoyper

But this? How does Nolan come up with this stuff? This is just insane.

By tapping into the parts of the brain we don't normally use. Acid and mushrooms are two things that will get you there.

[ScarredLungs]

What are the estimates on the weekend gross? over 90% of the people are giving it 4 or 5 stars. Many people already want to go see this twice this weekend.

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by cvm

What are the estimates on the weekend gross? over 90% of the people are giving it 4 or 5 stars. Many people already want to go see this twice this weekend.

Most predictions are around 70-75 mill.

[cajmoyper]

I just searched keywords "Inception" and "box office" and the first article that popped up was by some dude. And that dude said this movie only had about $21 mil Friday which would put the weekend total around $55. Which to me is a little disappointing. But movies like this obviously have great word of mouth and there's no telling how much it could make in the long run. I'll be going again today, this time, D-Box style.

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by cajmoyper

I just searched keywords "Inception" and "box office" and the first article that popped up was by some dude. And that dude said this movie only had about $21 mil Friday which would put the weekend total around $55. Which to me is a little disappointing. But movies like this obviously have great word of mouth and there's no telling how much it could make in the long run. I'll be going again today, this time, D-Box style.

Well in all honesty, it's not based from a franchise, book, it's a completely original idea, though The Dark Knight is planted all over this, it doesn't change the fact of how wary audience will be around this.

[Foggy]

This movie's average so far is at 4.70 (1 D.P) we need to get it up past 4.75 to get it into the next 5 star movie of the year!

[Hep]

I saw this last night and really enjoyed the experience. The house was packed, and the audience was perfectly silent for entire movie (save for the few comic relief moments and collective gasps). I notice there is a lot of talk about the ending being inconsequential, and I think that view takes away from the story and frankly doesn't give Nolan the credit he deserves for what he has crafted.

[Show spoiler]The main theme is guilt, and I agree that it is resolved by the time the camera pans to Saito picking up the gun. In fact, the guilt is resolved in Cobb's last scene with Mal. But that isn't the moment of closure for the story. The driving force of the plot is Cobb's desire to see his real kids again. Without that, there is no narritive, because he wouldn't have taken the job. Overcoming guilt is a necessary process to allow Cobb to complete his character's arc - but it is not the finish line. Guilt is the theme, his kids are the plot device to get us there, and required for the dénouement (or resolution).

The ambiguity at the end was Nolan's way of getting the audience to actively participate in Cobb's catharsis. For him it is a "pinch me to make sure I'm not dreaming" moment. If you have ever had your wildest dreams come true, you will empathize with his stunned perspective in the final act. This, of course, is visualized in him choosing to spin the top. If he really didn't care, he wouldn't have spun the top at all.

For me, the best clue that Cobb is in reality is the fact that he can see his kid's faces. Kids at that age change quickly, and his subconscious would/could not allow him to project their faces. Nolan didn't show the top toppling because he wants the audience to think; to say it doesn’t matter is doing Nolan a disservice IMO.

[item9]

Originally Posted by Hep

I saw this last night and really enjoyed the experience. The house was packed, and the audience was perfectly silent for entire movie (save for the few comic relief moments and collective gasps). I notice there is a lot of talk about the ending being inconsequential, and I think that view takes away from the story and frankly doesn't give Nolan the credit he deserves for what he has crafted.

[Show spoiler]The main theme is guilt, and I agree that it is resolved by the time the camera pans to Saito picking up the gun. In fact, the guilt is resolved in Cobb's last scene with Mal. But that isn't the moment of closure for the story. The driving force of the plot is Cobb's desire to see his real kids again. Without that, there is no narritive, because he wouldn't have taken the job. Overcoming guilt is a necessary process to allow Cobb to complete his character's arc - but it is not the finish line. Guilt is the theme, his kids are the plot device to get us there, and required for the dénouement (or resolution).

The ambiguity at the end was Nolan's way of getting the audience to actively participate in Cobb's catharsis. For him it is a "pinch me to make sure I'm not dreaming" moment. If you have ever had your wildest dreams come true, you will empathize with his stunned perspective in the final act. This, of course, is visualized in him choosing to spin the top. If he really didn't care, he wouldn't have spun the top at all.

For me, the best clue that Cobb is in reality is the fact that he can see his kid's faces. Kids at that age change quickly, and his subconscious would/could not allow him to project their faces. Nolan didn't show the top toppling because he wants the audience to think; to say it doesn’t matter is doing Nolan a disservice IMO.

WOW. Watched this movie last night and I was blown away. Nolan keeps upping the ante with each film and I cant wait for his next one (BATMAN!).

Petra and Hep make some really really good points. When I first walked out of the movie I honestly didnt know what to think or believe (it was a late showing) but after reading these posts, I have to agree with Hep. Everyone will interpret the film their own way which is GREAT! Im sure thats what Nolan had in mind when making this film.

Cant wait to watch it again and I will be watching The Prestige within the next few days. Nolan's story-telling ability is TOP NOTCH

[jjbsn5192]

one of the craziest films i have ever seen.. im definately gonna need my double take when the Blu Comes out!

[jjbsn5192]

Originally Posted by Hep

I saw this last night and really enjoyed the experience. The house was packed, and the audience was perfectly silent for entire movie (save for the few comic relief moments and collective gasps). I notice there is a lot of talk about the ending being inconsequential, and I think that view takes away from the story and frankly doesn't give Nolan the credit he deserves for what he has crafted.

[Show spoiler]The main theme is guilt, and I agree that it is resolved by the time the camera pans to Saito picking up the gun. In fact, the guilt is resolved in Cobb's last scene with Mal. But that isn't the moment of closure for the story. The driving force of the plot is Cobb's desire to see his real kids again. Without that, there is no narritive, because he wouldn't have taken the job. Overcoming guilt is a necessary process to allow Cobb to complete his character's arc - but it is not the finish line. Guilt is the theme, his kids are the plot device to get us there, and required for the dénouement (or resolution).

The ambiguity at the end was Nolan's way of getting the audience to actively participate in Cobb's catharsis. For him it is a "pinch me to make sure I'm not dreaming" moment. If you have ever had your wildest dreams come true, you will empathize with his stunned perspective in the final act. This, of course, is visualized in him choosing to spin the top. If he really didn't care, he wouldn't have spun the top at all.

For me, the best clue that Cobb is in reality is the fact that he can see his kid's faces. Kids at that age change quickly, and his subconscious would/could not allow him to project their faces. Nolan didn't show the top toppling because he wants the audience to think; to say it doesn’t matter is doing Nolan a disservice IMO.

I Agree fully!!!

the entire experience was something "Fresh"
And I cant say Fresh enough

it felt like the matrix but it wasnt


Amazing film..

[silversnake]

Just got up after sleeping 12 hours. Haven't done that in ages.

Woke up and went straight back to reading about this movie. It's just so good. I'm going to try and stay away for a week or so and than go again with my girlfriend this time.

[jruc03]

Went and saw it last night and it is undoubtly one of if not the best movie I have ever seen. It gets you thinking on so many levels and it never stops til the end. I was so drawn in the whole time and loving every minute of it. The story is so great and original which is something we having really been seeing alot of lately. I recommend everyone to go see it (its really that good).

Petra you have some very nice insights on the movie btw!

[Clipse294]

Don't know if this has been talked about before in the 50+ pages, but right after seeing this on IMAX last night (which we got there right at the starting time and got stuck in the first row; my neck still hurts...) I got home and went on IMDB for about an hour. One of the things I came across which I had touched on in Psych class but never really understood is lucid dreaming. Just wondering if anyone's ever tried it before?

[Crimson King]

Do you think this will get nominated for Best Picture?

[Clipse294]

Originally Posted by BillyJack

Do you think this will get nominated for Best Picture?

Yes, wasn't one of the reasons for expanding to 10 movies is because Dark Knight got snubbed out of a best picture nom? Let's face it, a lot of the movies this year have not been that good, so there's a very good chance it will.

[jjbsn5192]

Originally Posted by BillyJack

Do you think this will get nominated for Best Picture?

we dont know.. its definitely one of the best pictures of 2010
but more movies to come