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Inception (Nolan, 2010)- The Reviews Thread
07-23-10, 10:29 AM
#501
Re: Inception (Nolan, 2010)- The Reviews Thread
Originally Posted by johnnysd
Wow, thought the score was completely unremarkable. In fact, several times in the movie I remember distinctly disliking the score and thinking a different composer would have been a better choice. An Oscar for this score would be a crime.
The more time goes on the less I like the movie. It makes me feel like the butt of the "pink elephant joke". I just completely do not get the incredibly effusive praise this movie gets. I just don't see it.
I find the movie very proficient technically, but intensely sterile and clinical. I thought the characters were very one note and there is no connection for me with any of them. In fact, Page is purely an expositionary prop: a character whose only purpose is to ask questions to provide the "rules" of the movie to the audience. It was very cloying.
In fact I think it is the rules and extemely rigid structure of the movie that makes it fail for me. The director seems to be trying to impose a logic and structure to the most free form and unstructured of all experiences- a dream.
It's like a very dry intellectual thesis to try and define and categorize something that he does not really understand at all. This conceit did not fit with me at all, and to be honest the whole concept is silly.
This structure flows through to the dream "mazes" which are completely unimaginative and rigid, nothing at all dreamlike. I found them boring to be honest and not interesting or awe-inspiring in the least bit. In fact the most creative it gets is to allow the world to flip up on itself -again completely unimaginitive and rigid and way way too grounded in normal reality.
Then the plot setup is a complete disaster. So we are going to assemble a team to convince the son of a company's president to dismantle his corporate empire so that another company can completely take over the energy industry-seriously? It's just laughably stupid.
Cobb even organizes all his memories into floors on an elevator.
In the end, I couldn't really care whether he was in a dream or not, or whether he saw his kids or not. It is not a particularly compelling mystery it's just intentionally obtuse and vague. And a cop out.
This movie to me is really like a wax sculpture. It is expertly crafted and extremely detailed, but it is also heartless and in the end completely useless.
I guess having written this, I realize I kind of hate this movie. I just do not see at all what others see in this and all the fuss that is being made about it.
The more time goes on the less I like the movie. It makes me feel like the butt of the "pink elephant joke". I just completely do not get the incredibly effusive praise this movie gets. I just don't see it.
I find the movie very proficient technically, but intensely sterile and clinical. I thought the characters were very one note and there is no connection for me with any of them. In fact, Page is purely an expositionary prop: a character whose only purpose is to ask questions to provide the "rules" of the movie to the audience. It was very cloying.
In fact I think it is the rules and extemely rigid structure of the movie that makes it fail for me. The director seems to be trying to impose a logic and structure to the most free form and unstructured of all experiences- a dream.
It's like a very dry intellectual thesis to try and define and categorize something that he does not really understand at all. This conceit did not fit with me at all, and to be honest the whole concept is silly.
This structure flows through to the dream "mazes" which are completely unimaginative and rigid, nothing at all dreamlike. I found them boring to be honest and not interesting or awe-inspiring in the least bit. In fact the most creative it gets is to allow the world to flip up on itself -again completely unimaginitive and rigid and way way too grounded in normal reality.
Then the plot setup is a complete disaster. So we are going to assemble a team to convince the son of a company's president to dismantle his corporate empire so that another company can completely take over the energy industry-seriously? It's just laughably stupid.
Cobb even organizes all his memories into floors on an elevator.
In the end, I couldn't really care whether he was in a dream or not, or whether he saw his kids or not. It is not a particularly compelling mystery it's just intentionally obtuse and vague. And a cop out.
This movie to me is really like a wax sculpture. It is expertly crafted and extremely detailed, but it is also heartless and in the end completely useless.
I guess having written this, I realize I kind of hate this movie. I just do not see at all what others see in this and all the fuss that is being made about it.
I especially agree about the rules. They simply made no sense to me. "That's ridiculous," I kept thinking anytime anybody in the film tried to explain anything. If I can't accept the rules, then I'm sorry, but I'm not going to play the game. End of story.
Oh, and I'm generally a Zimmer fan, but not for this one. I was having trouble getting into the movie to begin with and the music kept pushing me even further away.
Last edited by Ash Ketchum; 07-23-10 at 10:34 AM.
07-23-10, 11:45 AM
#502
Re: Inception (Nolan, 2010)- The Reviews Thread
I think this movie has a Lost effect on people. Where you really like it so you want to think its bigger, smarter than it appears. I think the ending was all right there on the surface, much like it is in every Nolan film.
07-23-10, 12:40 PM
#503
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Inception (Nolan, 2010)- The Reviews Thread
Originally Posted by kenbuzz
I just got back from Inception.
First, some background. I rarely see movies in theaters these days. A combination of lack of time, high prices, and having to share the theater with cell phone wielding chatty idiots really ruins the me-and-the-movie experience that I want. Plus, with a 9 y/o, when I do get to see a movie it's generally a kid flick. This is only the third movie this year I've seen - I saw Avatar while the wife and kid were visiting her folks, and we all saw Toy Story 3 with free tickets from buying the TS1/2 DVDs earlier this year. I wouldn't've seen Inception except for (a) being on a business trip to San Diego, (b) our last days' meetings wrapped up early but too late for me to catch an evening flight back to the Midwest, and (c) I was able to catch a 4:30 showing before the chatty cell-phone addicts were likely to show up.
The movie had the following:
STAR - Snake, Train or Indian - Trains were a regular theme.
NO STAR - Blatant Sex/Nudity - No fem skin at all. Too bad
STAR - Destruction of Public Property - Even though it was during a dream scene, lots of street and light poles were ripped up early on.
STAR - Good/Creative Mort - I've never seen a dude killed by blowing up the power transformer he's hiding behind.
NO STAR - Memorable Line - It's been only 2 hours and I can't remember a single spoken line of dialog.
Per the USS Eisenhower rating system, Inception earns 3 stars
First, some background. I rarely see movies in theaters these days. A combination of lack of time, high prices, and having to share the theater with cell phone wielding chatty idiots really ruins the me-and-the-movie experience that I want. Plus, with a 9 y/o, when I do get to see a movie it's generally a kid flick. This is only the third movie this year I've seen - I saw Avatar while the wife and kid were visiting her folks, and we all saw Toy Story 3 with free tickets from buying the TS1/2 DVDs earlier this year. I wouldn't've seen Inception except for (a) being on a business trip to San Diego, (b) our last days' meetings wrapped up early but too late for me to catch an evening flight back to the Midwest, and (c) I was able to catch a 4:30 showing before the chatty cell-phone addicts were likely to show up.
The movie had the following:
STAR - Snake, Train or Indian - Trains were a regular theme.
NO STAR - Blatant Sex/Nudity - No fem skin at all. Too bad
STAR - Destruction of Public Property - Even though it was during a dream scene, lots of street and light poles were ripped up early on.
STAR - Good/Creative Mort - I've never seen a dude killed by blowing up the power transformer he's hiding behind.
NO STAR - Memorable Line - It's been only 2 hours and I can't remember a single spoken line of dialog.
Per the USS Eisenhower rating system, Inception earns 3 stars
A movie loses a star if it doesn't have obligatory nudity? You must have trouble getting into the family fare stuff you see then!
07-23-10, 01:10 PM
#504
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Re: Inception (Nolan, 2010)- The Reviews Thread
I can't wait for the deleted scenes on the blu-ray and I wonder if there was more than one ended flimed by mister nolan?
07-23-10, 01:36 PM
#505
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Re: Inception (Nolan, 2010)- The Reviews Thread
Originally Posted by cranberries fan
I can't wait for the deleted scenes on the blu-ray and I wonder if there was more than one ended flimed by mister nolan?
I especially agree about the rules. They simply made no sense to me. "That's ridiculous," I kept thinking anytime anybody in the film tried to explain anything. If I can't accept the rules, then I'm sorry, but I'm not going to play the game. End of story.
Last edited by Blu Man; 07-23-10 at 04:35 PM.
07-23-10, 02:03 PM
#506
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Re: Inception (Nolan, 2010)- The Reviews Thread
Originally Posted by Blu Man
I also highly doubt that Nolan made an alternate ending.
07-23-10, 04:47 PM
#507
DVD Talk Hero
Re: Inception (Nolan, 2010)- The Reviews Thread
I just hope the movie continues doing well enough that Hollywood suit types will continue giving different a shot.
07-23-10, 04:56 PM
#508
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Re: Inception (Nolan, 2010)- The Reviews Thread
Originally Posted by RichC2
I just hope the movie continues doing well enough that Hollywood suit types will continue giving different a shot.
07-23-10, 05:01 PM
#509
DVD Talk Hero
Re: Inception (Nolan, 2010)- The Reviews Thread
Curious to see how it does in S. Korea and Japan
07-23-10, 05:36 PM
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Re: Inception (Nolan, 2010)- The Reviews Thread
Originally Posted by Blu Man
I'm willing to bet that we will not get deleted scenes. Nolan's movies have never had deleted scenes included on BDs/DVDs and I don't see why this will be any different. I also highly doubt that Nolan made an alternate ending
I highly doubt we'll get deleted scenes on Inception. We got none for BB, TDK, The Prestige, or Following.
07-23-10, 06:36 PM
#511
DVD Talk Hero
Re: Inception (Nolan, 2010)- The Reviews Thread
Originally Posted by Solid Snake PAC
Insomnia has a deleted scene on the DVD and the BD. *cough*
I highly doubt we'll get deleted scenes on Inception. We got none for BB, TDK, The Prestige, or Following.
I highly doubt we'll get deleted scenes on Inception. We got none for BB, TDK, The Prestige, or Following.
07-23-10, 07:24 PM
#513
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Re: Inception (Nolan, 2010)- The Reviews Thread
Originally Posted by RichC2
So he only shoots in excess for stuff he doesn't write
07-23-10, 07:45 PM
#515
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Re: Inception (Nolan, 2010)- The Reviews Thread
Originally Posted by Solid Snake PAC
...what?
07-23-10, 07:55 PM
#516
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Re: Inception (Nolan, 2010)- The Reviews Thread
Are you using what I think you're using? Cuz if so...technically you're right. If not..well..you're just a smartass, you smartass.
07-23-10, 07:58 PM
#517
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Re: Inception (Nolan, 2010)- The Reviews Thread
Originally Posted by Solid Snake PAC
Are you using what I think you're using? Cuz if so...technically you're right. If not..well..you're just a smartass, you smartass.
Not really sure what your trying to say with this post to be honest...
07-23-10, 08:01 PM
#518
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Re: Inception (Nolan, 2010)- The Reviews Thread
The ratio of actual film shot in comparison to what will actually be used, the ratio aspect..not the number you used aspect. I've learned that and can prove it. I once shot 3 hrs. of footage, for ex, and only used about 10 mins. Ugh.....I hated that shoot...yet I love it.
07-23-10, 10:43 PM
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Re: Inception (Nolan, 2010)- The Reviews Thread
I just came back from seeing this a second time. I was pleasantly surprised to realize how much of the film I actual liked.
But I still have the same criticism as I had the first time:
But I still have the same criticism as I had the first time:
Spoiler:
Last edited by biglou114; 07-26-10 at 07:47 AM. Reason: Typos
07-24-10, 03:28 PM
#520
DVD Talk Hero
Re: Inception (Nolan, 2010)- The Reviews Thread
Was having a shitty day so I went to see this again, I actually found it to be better made than I did originally, the breakneck pacing in some parts must have distracted me a little originally.
Also, fwiw, watching it a second time killed a lot of my theories
Saw it in IMAX this time and the sheer loudness made the dialog easier to understand and oddly, the acting seem better.
Also, fwiw, watching it a second time killed a lot of my theories
Saw it in IMAX this time and the sheer loudness made the dialog easier to understand and oddly, the acting seem better.
07-24-10, 06:49 PM
#521
DVD Talk God
Re: Inception (Nolan, 2010)- The Reviews Thread
Saw this a bit ago. Fantastic. Like the best parts of The Matrix and Dark City (as expected). Surprisingly, I thought Leo's performance was somewhat flat as was JGL. Overall, it didn't distract at how completely awesome I thought it was, though.
07-24-10, 07:23 PM
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Re: Inception (Nolan, 2010)- The Reviews Thread
Count me as another who didn't recognize Berenger at all until I read through this thread.
I enjoyed the movie, though not as much as Nolan's previous three films. The massive amounts of expository dialogue and the necessity of maintaining order among who was where and when and at what rate made the film feel like a technical exercise. It was about as good as a technical exercise can get, but I felt nothing for any of the characters--no attachment, empathy for Cobb or Fischer, just nothing. I have to wonder whether the clinical distance here is the result of Jonathan Nolan not having a hand in the screenwriting process this time around. The lack of emotional attachment kept me at arm's distance from the beginning to end, and by the last scene I felt like I'd spent two hours watching an interesting story, which is not what any writer wants from the audience. I suppose that meshes well with the 100% dream theory floating out there (and which I can buy), but it's remarkable that the catharsis expected from both dreams and works of fiction is almost completely absent by the story's end. Putting it simply, I don't really care whether the entire film was a dream or not, as it lacks emotional depth and resonance.
The effects were spectacular and seamless, probably the best I've ever seen on the big screen. Even the CGI shots of the edifice crumbling onto the beach looked great.
Did anyone else have issues with the sound mixing? Every five minutes or so I felt like I missed a key bit of dialogue thanks to obtrusive ambient noise or the score.
I enjoyed the movie, though not as much as Nolan's previous three films. The massive amounts of expository dialogue and the necessity of maintaining order among who was where and when and at what rate made the film feel like a technical exercise. It was about as good as a technical exercise can get, but I felt nothing for any of the characters--no attachment, empathy for Cobb or Fischer, just nothing. I have to wonder whether the clinical distance here is the result of Jonathan Nolan not having a hand in the screenwriting process this time around. The lack of emotional attachment kept me at arm's distance from the beginning to end, and by the last scene I felt like I'd spent two hours watching an interesting story, which is not what any writer wants from the audience. I suppose that meshes well with the 100% dream theory floating out there (and which I can buy), but it's remarkable that the catharsis expected from both dreams and works of fiction is almost completely absent by the story's end. Putting it simply, I don't really care whether the entire film was a dream or not, as it lacks emotional depth and resonance.
The effects were spectacular and seamless, probably the best I've ever seen on the big screen. Even the CGI shots of the edifice crumbling onto the beach looked great.
Did anyone else have issues with the sound mixing? Every five minutes or so I felt like I missed a key bit of dialogue thanks to obtrusive ambient noise or the score.
Last edited by grrr; 07-24-10 at 07:50 PM.
07-24-10, 09:22 PM
#523
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Re: Inception (Nolan, 2010)- The Reviews Thread
I saw the flick again today and I still maintain that it's excellent. I'm still not that bothered by the lack of character development. It holds up nicely upon a second viewing.
Man oh man do I love the train/ambush sequence when they first enter the dream with Fischer. The shootout that ensues is just awesome. I thought the sequence was shot exceptionally well; I was on the edge of my seat even for the second time around.
I have to agree with biglou114 about Cobb's back story dragging the film down. I felt that they could have been handled better. To me it felt like Nolan just wanted to give Cotillard more screen time and I feel that it hurts the picture. Though I do think she’s very good in the picture.
Man oh man do I love the train/ambush sequence when they first enter the dream with Fischer. The shootout that ensues is just awesome. I thought the sequence was shot exceptionally well; I was on the edge of my seat even for the second time around.
Originally Posted by biglou114
But I still have the same criticism as I had the first time:
Spoiler:
07-25-10, 05:27 PM
#525
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Re: Inception (Nolan, 2010)- The Reviews Thread
Caught it again today to use the $7.50 movie ticket I had from the Insomnia Blu-ray and still loved the heck out of it. Oddly enough, the last few years the only movies i've seen multiple times in the theater have been Nolan movies (Batman Begins, Dark Knight, and new Inception).
