The immaculate Inception

I promised a break-down on Chris Nolan’s latest project, Inception, and here it is. Complete with confirmed news, rumours and cast list. Prepare to become enthused, nay, extremely intrigued.

The concept

Batman fans went into cardiac arrest last year when Nolan announced his next film would not be a third Batman instalment, rather a film he had written several years earlier. Details of the plot are being keep under tighter wraps than Tutankhamen with the actors forbidden to give away any of the details.

When asked about the movie by MTV recently, cast member and Movie Mazz favourite Joseph Gordon-Levitt had this to say (or not say):
"Here’s the thing… I cant wait to talk to you about [Inception] but I’ve been very specifically asked not to talk about it. I want to respect [director Chris Nolan's wishes] because I love his movies and I’m so honored and grateful to be working with him. He’s got a really specific idea and way he wants people to be presented with this thing."

This, in my humble opinion, hints there are more than a few twists which would spoil the movie if known beforehand. Here is what we know about the plot so far; a CEO-type becomes involved in a blackmailing scandal. That’s it. Actually, Nolan also described the film as being set “within the architecture of the mind”. The films genre falls under the action, sci-fi, thriller categories and Nolan is no amateur at creating an amazing story. In fact, just knowing he has penned this latest effort makes me feel in safe hands considering he has previously written these masterpieces ; The Dark Knight, Batman Begins, The Prestige, Memento, Following and Doddlebug. His wife, Emma Thomas, is teaming up with him again to produce and Nolan is also directing.

I think this guy is one of the most creative cinema masterminds working and frankly I would go and see a Pizza Hut commercial if he made it. Fanaticism aside, this sounds so very, very exciting. And interesting. Inception is being shot in five countries including Morocco and a significant portion in Kananaskis, Alberta (a rural district in the Canadian Rockies). Oh, and it has a budget of $200 million. Yeah baby, $200 MILLION!

The Cast

WHAT A CAST! Seriously, I know decent cast's excite me easily but this really is incredible. There’s three actors in here high up in my hypothetical `top 10 all time favorites' list and one actress. Yet all are amazing performers and I can’t wait to see how they mesh together. They are:
Leonardo DiCaprio
The unluckiest Oscar-nominee who ever lived aka Leo, plays the lead role as the CEO-type.
Marion Cotillard Everyone’s favourite French actress (sorry Eva Green) plays Leo’s wifey.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt The power of Levittation continues with another foray into blockbusters playing an associate of Leo’s character.
Ellen Page The once-pregnant Page plays a young college grad student and Leo’s sidekick.
Ken Watanabe The man is back in villain-mode and plays the guy who is blackmailing DiCaprio’s character.
Tom Hardy A member of Leo’s team
Cillian Murphy and Michael Caine

These two ridiculously talented people are also cast, but there are no details on what parts they will be playing yet.

I’m hoping there will be a few more updates on the film before its July 22, 2010 release date here in Australia. Actually, scrap that. I’m digging the shrouding-in-secrecy vibe for a change. Bring on first posters and/or teaser trailer.