The subconscious is a tool rarely exploited by science fiction- the tendency to avoid traipsing through the mind is no doubt an instinct to avoid dipping into the surreal. However, Inception proves that the subconscious can be surreal, thrilling, and grounded all at once. This is really the Apex of Premises made to justify excessively high-wire plot mechanics. On paper, this premise seems ludicrously simplistic, but it is in the execution that it exceeds all expectations. The Premise: This is high concept at its most simple: "People can enter each other's dreams" pretty much sums up the jumping off point of the whole film. However, once the plot gets going, it uses the premise to both create a highly tense heist sequence and continue developing the characters through the architecture of the mind. This is a film that takes a very brainy subject - i.e. the subconscious - and uses a science fiction premise to turn it into a hard-hitting vehicle to drive the plot forward. When you ask someone to explain their opinion of Inception, it seems people are divided into two camps - those who think it is all on the surface, and those who think it is too complex. A definitive "winner" of this debate may never present itself, but it seems the stalemate proves the truth of both arguments, doesn't it?
Self-evidently a man who writes for the Internet, Robert also writes films, plays, teleplays, and short stories when he's not working on a movie set somewhere. He lives somewhere behind the Hollywood sign.
