What Do The Critics Say?

"Nolan has basically done the impossible. He's taken $200 million and, instead of coming up with a highly generic product, he's made a real movie." Adam Lippe EXAMINER ONLINE "There are plenty of reasons to like Inception, whether you found it obvious or impenetrable. You'll wish you could dream as lucidly as this, but be grateful here you have Nolan as your tour guide." Karina Montgomery CINERINA "Inception is elegantly realised. DiCaprio powerfully embodies a tortured soul while Gordon-Levitt has all the fun in the best action sequence." Catherine Jones LIVERPOOL ECHO "One of the most groundbreaking and original films I've seen in the last decade." Jeffrey Lyles GAZETTE "The most intelligent and visually stunning film of the year. Literally mind-bending." Alex Zane SUN ONLINE "Writer-director Christopher Nolan challenges the audience to think outside the box in this highly anticipated sci-fi thriller. The complexity of the storytelling may cause confused moviegoers who are never quite sure what is happening on screen to exit the theater within 30 minutes. Those that stay the course will be treated to stupendous special effects, impressive set designs, Oscar-worthy editing, a vibrant and haunting musical score from composer Hans Zimmer, and top-drawer cinematography." Keith Cohen ENTERTAINMENT SPECTRUM

"Audience members with Attention Deficit Disorder will feel very perplexed and probably end up misconstruing the film, but attentive audience members will be rewarded by its many layers of sheer brilliance and intricacies which beg for intellectual discussions and repeated viewings. A groundbreaking, intriguing, exhilarating and brilliant sci-fi thriller that's destined to become a timeless classic. Mark my words: It will be remembered for years to come." Avi Offer NEW YORK CITY MOVIE GURU "This is not only the best movie ever made about dreams, it is also one of the best films of 2010, and certainly one of the most entertaining pictures I've seen in a decade." Mike McGranaghan AISLE SEAT "It's bold. It's exciting. It makes you think. It engages. It impresses. It frustrates. And it does it all a helluva lot better than Shutter Island." Gina Carbone SEACOAST NEWSPAPERS "The effects, cutting-edge and as ingenious as the story itself, serve only to annotate the action, never overtake it. Nolan has spun an elegantly cerebral story that is primal, compelling, and as visually disconcerting as it is completely captivating." Andrea Chase KILLER MOVIE REVIEWS "A scintillating exploration of dreams, reality and the fine line that divides them, Inception toys with our minds on a massive scale, sending us on a dizzying trip which makes all our preconceptions spin relentlessly. This high concept thriller is an unforgettable adrenalin rush." Louise Keller URBAN CINEFILE

The Inside Story On Inception Director, writer and producer Christopher Nolan ("The Prestige") revealed that he began creating the world of "Inception" almost a decade before he made the movie. "About ten years ago, I became fascinated with the subject of dreams, about the relationship of our waking life to our dreaming life. I’ve always found it to be an interesting paradox that everything within a dream: whether frightening, or happy, or fantastic; is being produced by your own mind as it happens, and what that says about the potential of the imagination is quite extraordinary. I started thinking how that could be applied to a grand-scale action movie with a very human dimension." "Inception" hinges on the premise that it is possible to share dreams: dreams that have been designed to look and feel completely real while you’re in them. And in that subconscious state, a person’s deepest and most valuable secrets are there for the taking. "At the heart of the movie is the notion that an idea is indeed the most resilient and powerful parasite. A trace of it will always be there in your mind; somewhere," Nolan elaborated. "The thought that someone could master the ability to invade your dream space, in a very physical sense, and steal an idea: no matter how private; is compelling." Producer Emma Thomas, who played Sophie in Hans Herbots 2001 film, "Falling", agrees. She notes that the film had to maintain a balance between a thrill ride and an emotional journey. "It has elements of a heist movie, but one set in a more fantastical framework. It has huge action sequences, but it also has characters you truly care about, and there is a real emotional driving force throughout the movie." That driving force is largely embodied in the central character of Dom Cobb, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. "In essence, that’s what was immediately engaging to me about the script," says the 2005 Golden Globe winning actor ("The Aviator"). "It is this highly entertaining, complex thriller where anything can happen, but at the heart is one man’s quest to uncover a long-buried truth and to get back home. It’s also completely original; I don’t think anyone could say they’ve experienced anything like it before. That combination made me excited about working on the project, as well as with Chris Nolan. He is an expert at taking this kind of multi-layered storyline and making it true and tangible to an audience." "Chris has learned a lot over the years in terms of making big movies, and a lot of those things have come into play here. But this film is something very fresh and very different and also quite personal. It gave him a completely clean and pure canvas on which to work," Thomas ("Memento") notes. Nolan asserts that the central theme of the story is both personal and universal. Why? "Because we all dream. We all experience the phenomenon of our minds creating a world and living in that world at the exact same time. There is also an incredible contrast in the world of dreams: they are so intimate and yet they have infinite possibilities in terms of what we can imagine. I wanted to create a film that would allow the audience to experience the limitless realities that only in dreams can we realize." "We knew the production of "Inception" was going to have to be big because of the subject matter: you can do anything in a dream," Thomas notes. "In fact, the scope of this film is greater than anything we’ve done before, even just in terms of the number of countries in which we shot." The production would circle the globe, with principal photography taking place in six countries, on four separate continents. The cast and crew would brave the heat of Tangiers (Morocco) and traversed the snows of Calgary (Canada). Shooting the film also took the team to Tokyo, Paris and L.A. Nolan returned to the cavernous converted airship hangars at Cardington (England) where he'd shot sequences for both Batman films. While the actors were not subject to the elements while shooting interiors at Cardington, their equilibrium was challenged by gravity-defying sets that were designed to revolve a full 360 degrees, and another set constructed on a giant gimbal that put everything and everyone on 'tilt'. "To me, the material demanded a very large-scale approach," Nolan says. "That’s why we wound up shooting in six different countries, building enormous sets, and really pushing the boundaries of what could be achieved practically, as opposed to computer effects." In addition to filming all over the world, "Inception" features an international cast, including: three time Oscar nominee Leonardo DiCaprio; two time YoungStar Award winner Joseph Gordon-Levitt; Oscar winner Marion Cotillard ("The Passionate Life of Edith Piaf"); Oscar nominee Ellen Page ("Juno"); British Independent Film Award winner Tom Hardy ("Bronson"): Oscar nominee Tom Berenger ("Platoon"); Oscar nominee Pete Postlethwaite ("In the Name of the Father") and Dileep Rao ("Drag Me to Hell"), who were all working with Nolan for the first time. Reuniting with Oscar winner Nolan are: Oscar nominee Ken Watanabe ("The Last Samurai"); Irish Film and Television Award winner Cillian Murphy ("Breakfast On Pluto") and two time Oscar winner Michael Caine ("Hannah and Her Sisters" & "The Cider House Rules"). "The movie has some great roles, and the actors really responded to the material, which made the casting process very smooth. We felt very lucky to have such a remarkable level of talent. I think the actors were also inspired by the rest of the cast; they wanted to work together and be a part of it," Thomas observes. "I am such a fan of Chris’s, so the idea of being a part of this film was very exciting. And I was blown away by the script; it was like nothing I had ever read. I completely disappeared into it, and when I finished, I was literally sweating," 2003 ACTRA Maritimes Award winner Page ("Marion Bridge") recalls. 2007 & '10 Award of the Japanese Academy winner Ken Watanabe, who played Ra's Al Ghul in "Batman Begins", recalls: "When Chris called and asked me to join him, it was easy to say yes, because it was a wonderful opportunity to work with a director I loved working with." "I was very excited by the script, and then when Chris told me the other actors involved, I knew it couldn’t get any better," says Cillian Murphy, who played Jonathan Crane a.k.a 'The Scarecrow' in both Batman films. 2004 Cannes Chopard Trophy winner Cotillard thinks Nolan's films "are intelligent and hugely entertaining, and this one fits that bill beautifully. His mind is so rich,and that’s one reason Chris is such an extraordinary director and writer. On a movie as imaginative as this, you need a director you can trust; someone to take your hand and share his vision. I trusted him one hundred percent. He really inspired me and gave me the keys I needed." "Chris is an extremely talented filmmaker," DiCaprio (who played Amsterdam Vallon in "Gangs Of New York") stated. "I also appreciated getting to collaborate so closely with such an unbelievable cast. We had lengthy conversations about our characters, and their individual histories and relationships." "The film follows a team of very different people, each with singular skills, who are brought together to accomplish a very special task," Nolan revealed. DiCaprio, (who played the real life character Frank Abagnale Jr in Steven Spielberg's "Catch Me If You Can") stars as Dom Cobb, a master in the art of extraction. "Cobb has achieved a level of expertise that has made him very well known in the underground black market of individuals who are able to infiltrate people’s minds and extract information." 'Extraction' works is through a process called dream sharing; manufacturing the world of the dream and bringing the subject into that world. It feels completely real as long as they are in it. But Cobb’s rare skills have made him a wanted fugitive who can never go home. "From the start, we know he is a man with a past that makes it impossible for him to go back to America. He’s willing to take any risk in his work if it means he can get home to what he loves most," Thomas explained. Cobb’s longtime and most trusted colleague is Arthur, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt who notes that, "While Cobb is the master planner, Arthur takes care of the details. Arthur is the organized one, the one making sure everything is in its right place. The way I see it, Cobb is the artist and Arthur is the producer. I think the technology of dream sharing is something that has inspired him since he first heard about it so, ultimately, it’s not the money he’s doing it for. He wouldn’t risk his life for a good paycheck. He loves it." "Joe is a tremendous actor to work with," Nolan says. "Very charismatic, extremely dedicated, and also physically adept." To manufacture the world of the dream, one of the most vital members of the team is the architect. Ellen Page portrays Ariadne, a brilliant student of architecture, who is approached by Cobb for a job, which, Page concedes, "isn’t necessarily legal, but she is propelled by an intellectual curiosity that makes her unable to pull herself away from such a unique opportunity. She ends up becoming even more involved in the job as she discovers what’s really going on with Cobb and learns about things he can’t control." Tom Hardy notes his character Eames, possesses surprising skills as a forger and not just on paper. "In the dream world, Eames can project the image of anyone, so he’s actually forging an identity in a physical manifestation and can convince another person that he’s whomever the team needs him to be in order to aid their deception." Hardy certainly impressed Nolan, who notes the actor "saw the potential of the character right away and brought a wonderfully cheeky quality to his performance, which I was delighted to see come through." Mal, the love of Cobb’s life, is played by 2005 & '08 César Award winner Marion Cotillard who says her character "is a tricky one to describe because she is a mix of so many things." "Mal is the essence of the femme fatale," Nolan states. "Marion brought an exceptionally haunting quality to her performance." "Leo is such a gifted actor. I have always been a great fan of his work, so it was amazing to work with him," Cotillard says. "His commitment is total and his intensity is unlimited. You can see it in his eyes." Ken Watanabe takes the role of Saito, a rich and powerful business magnate, who offers Cobb a very special job with a promise of payment more valuable than money. Nolan revealed he wrote the part specifically for Watanabe because he "wanted to work with him again." Cillian Murphy, who plays 'the mark' Robert Fischer Jnr points out, "Despite his vast wealth, Robert is riddled with all sorts of insecurities, as one might expect of someone who has lived his entire life in the shadow of a hugely powerful individual." Dileep Rao appears as a chemist named Yusuf who he describes as "an avant-garde pharmacologist, who is a resource for people, like Cobb." Completing the main cast is a trio of veteran actors who each play something of a paternal role to two of the characters. Pete Postlethwaite plays Robert’s dying father, Maurice Fischer; Tom Berenger takes on the part of 'Uncle Peter' Browning and Michael Caine appears as the man who taught Cobb about dream sharing: Cobb’s father in law, Professor Miles. "It’s always good to have Sir Michael Caine in your film," Nolan notes. "It’s a joy to have him on set." "Working on this film has made me think very differently about dreams and it’s definitely made me wonder about what I’m dreaming and how it ties into my life," Thomas said. What's It All About?

Dom Cobb is a skilled thief, the best in the art of extraction: stealing valuable secrets from deep within the subconscious during the dream state when the mind is at its most vulnerable. Cobb’s rare ability has made him a coveted player in this treacherous new world of corporate espionage, but it has also made him an international fugitive and cost him everything he has ever loved. Now Cobb is being offered a chance at redemption. One last job could give him his life back but only if he can accomplish the impossible inception. Instead of the perfect heist, Cobb and his team of specialists have to pull off the reverse; their task is not to steal an idea but to plant one. If they succeed, it could be the perfect crime. But no amount of careful planning or expertise can prepare them for a dangerous enemy who seems to predict their every move. An enemy only Cobb could have seen coming.

The Verdict "In 1998, an eighteen year old Christopher Nolan made his first feature film, "Following". Released in 1999 the "Following" picked up four major festival awards including the Rotterdam International Film Festival Tiger Award. That same year, it is reported, he took "Following" to the Hong Kong Film Festival where he asked audiences to donate funds so that he could make his next feature film. That film was "Memento". It starred Australian actor Guy Pearce. Originally a short story titled "Memento Mori", Nolan expanded it to a feature length film. "Memento" went on to win numerous award; it received huge critical acclaimed; dazzled cinemagoers with its imaginative storyline, and put Hollywood film-makers on notice, that there was a talented 'new kid on the block'. A decade later, Warner Bros has released the fourty year old writer, director, editor and producer's latest film; the dazzling, conceptual, "Inception". Spookily, there is a connection between his first and latest films. OK, so some of you are thinking 'what's the connection between a film most wouldn't even remember?' Here it is. In "Following" Alex Haw played a character named Cobb. In a bit of a twist, "Inception" stars Leonardo DiCaprio, who plays a character named: yes, you've guessed it: Cobb. Haw, to the best of my knowlege, never made another film. DiCaprio is another story. Born Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio on the 11th of November 1974 in Hollywood, California, DiCaprio shot to fame in what would be (until "Avatar" came along), the worlds all-time highest grossing film: "Titanic" (1997). Since then he has had a distinguished career starring in films such as: "The Beach", "Catch Me If You Can", "The Departed", "Blood Diamond", "Body Of Lies" and "Shutter Island", to name a few. There's no doubting the fact, despite being surrounded by a highly credentialed ensemble cast, he is 'the' star of "Inception" Let me qualify that: he is the human star of the film. That's because there is another star: the mind-blowing SFX and Visual Effects. "Inception" is adventure on a grand scale and easy to follow (if you maintain your attention). Relax for a moment and you could easily lose your way. If only all our dreams were as good as this. Look for the OST CD, out on the Warner Music label. 4 1/2 STARS." The Production Team

Director Writer Producers Original Music Cinematography Film Editor Casting Production Design Art Direction Set Decoration Costume Design

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Christopher Nolan Christopher Nolan Christopher Nolan & Emma Thomas Hans Zimmer Wally Pfister Lee Smith John Papsidera Guy Hendrix Dyas Luke Freeborn/Matthew Gray/Dean Wolcott/Jason Knox-Johnston Paul Laugier/Andy Thomson/Bettina von den Steinen/Bill Ives Lisa Chugg/Paul Healy/Douglas A Mowat Jeffrey Kurland

Who Is Playing Who?

Leonardo DiCaprio Joseph Gordon-Levitt Ellen Page Tom Hardy Ken Watanabe Dileep Rao Cillian Murphy Tom Berenger Marion Cotillard Pete Postlethwaite Michael Caine Lukas Haas Tai-Li Lee Claire Geare Magnus Nolan Taylor Geare Johnathan Geare

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Cobb Arthur Ariadne Eames Saito Yusuf Robert Fischer Jr Browning Mal Maurice Fischer Miles Nash Tadashi Phillipa (3 years) James (20 months) Phillipa (5 years) James (3 years)

Run Time 148 minutes Rated M [AUST] Copyright ©2010 - Legendary Films - All Rights Reserved ©1999-2010 The Movie Pages & impact Internet Services. All Rights Reserved. Protected by Australian and International Copyright. Trademark Laws and Intellectual Property Rights apply.