Most Anticipated Films of 2010 - INCEPTION

INCEPTION - Directed by Christopher Nolan, Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Page, Ken Watanabe, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Tom Hardy, Michael Caine, Cillian Murphy (7/20/10)

Over the course of the past decade, Christopher Nolan has quietly become one the most celebrated directors in Hollywood. I say quietly because his name does not yet resonate with your typical moviegoer like Spielberg, Scorsese, The Coen Brothers, or even someone like Michael Bay. I also say quietly because, despite his box office and critical success, the man does not seem to get a lot of credit around award season. THE PRESTIGE is a prominent fixture on many “Best Films of the 2000’s” lists and was highly praised at the time of its release, but it didn’t garner any major awards. MEMENTO can also be found high on such lists, but it also can’t claim any landmark achievements. Nolan’s most recent film, THE DARK KNIGHT, is one of the most financially successful titles in film history and, despite its heavy praise, was plainly snubbed at last year’s Academy Awards in favor of the massively inferior THE READER. Nolan is a peculiarity because he makes popular films without compromising quality (unlike Bay), but he has none of the accolades to show for it (unlike Spielberg). However, I feel as though this new decade will be different for him. His time is due, Oscar nominations are imminent.

Nolan’s first film of this decade is INCEPTION. I have no way of knowing whether this will be the film to earn him the accolades I project, but there’s a good chance simply because he’s at the helm. After the release of THE DARK KNIGHT, there was a lot of speculation about a 3rd Batman film, but he quelled early buzz when he told everyone that he was working on something else; a science fiction mystery that takes place within the framework of the mind. Even a year and a half later, not a lot more is known about the film. There have been a couple trailers released, but they aren’t a lot of help either. However, they are very captivating in their own right, especially the initial teaser trailer.


To me, there’s something great about keeping the audience in the dark. More details will undoubtedly surface as the film’s release date becomes closer, but I would assume much about the film will remain guarded. It’s no fun going into a film knowing everything that’s going to happen, but that’s often how many marketing schemes seem to work. I prefer the opposite approach that INCEPTION is taking as there’s something special about watching the opening credits of a film and suddenly realizing that you have no idea what is about to unfold.

What we do know about the film is:
- A vague synopsis from IMDB:
In a world where technology exists to enter the human mind through dream invasion, a single idea within one's mind can be the most dangerous weapon or the most valuable asset.
- The film is an original idea written by Nolan himself.
- It stars a whole slew of talented people. (The presence of strong supporting actors Hardy, Murphy and Watanabe round out a remarkable ensemble cast)

For now, this is all I need to know. Next to IRON MAN 2, this is probably the film I'm most excited for in 2010.