Inception is Original, and Amazing

It's hard not to have a new perception on one's dreams after seeing this film. Once your in a dream, your idea of what's real and what isn't is altered. When you're in a dream, you don't actually realize you're in a dream, that is, until, you wake up. At that point you realize that the world you were in was simply a creation of your subconscious mind. In our world now, we could not begin to understand what takes place in another's mind while they sleep. But in this film, written and directed by Christopher Nolan, not only is it possible, but seemingly commonplace.

In the film, Leonardo DiCaprio plays Cobb, a thief of sorts who, along with his highly skilled crew, makes a living infiltrating a person's dreams to steal valuable secrets. With the promise of being able to return home to be with his children, he reluctanty accepts one last job. But instead of extracting an idea from their subject, he's hired by Mr. Saito, a wealthy industrialist, played by Ken Watanabe, and given the task of inception, or planting an idea. Their subject is Mr. Saito's rival industrialist. After losing their initial architect, Nash, played by Lukas Hass, Cobb recruits a young protege named Ariadne, played by Ellen Page. With the rest of his crew, including Joseph Gordon-Levitt, the team embarks on a journey through the subconscious, all the while fighting Cobb's own subconscious. What we're given is a well written film with amazing affects. This film is an onion, and we as the viewer, or the cooks, have many layers to peel back and get through in order to get to the core.

This is easily one of the best films I've seen in recent years. The idea of infiltrating one's dreams is complex. So much so that the film becomes one that you have to watch again and again. Each time, you pick up more of the complex ideas. While this technology is unseen in our modern world, you still get a sense that this concept is rooted in our reality. Every one of us dreams at night. These dreams can be so vivid, in either a good or a bad way, that you're either depressed or relieved when you wake up. These would be the same feelings you would have if you'd actually been through a traumatic or wonderful experience.

Leonardo DiCaprio was perfect for this role. This is saying a lot. Until his role as reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes in 2004's "The Aviator", I can't say that I was a big fan. I often found his acting forced and unbelievable. There are even moments during "The Aviator" when those old feelings begin to creep up. However, as he's aged, his acting has softened. He is believable as a man who wants to be home to care for his family. Had the film been made ten years ago, I don't think it would have been quite as well rounded. Ellen Page's acting is notable as well. She's an amazingly accomplished actress. Many know her from her excellent, and Academy Award nominated performance as the title character in Juno, most likely the role that put her name up on the coveted "A" List. Whether she plays a quirky mother to be, or a brilliant architect, she's subtle yet believable, and most definitely likeable.

I loved this film. It was highly entertaining, complex, and yet, very simple. I would whole-heartedly recommend this film. Two thumbs way, way up!!