Welcome to the Colossus Movie Guide for Inception. This guide contains everything you need to understand Christopher Nolan’s 2010 film. You’ll find a quick explanation of Inception, as well as our library of material covering key aspects of the movie. We encourage comments to help us put together the best possible guide to Inception. Thank you!
Watch Inception on:The Quick Explanation
Inception is a heist movie that’s actually exploring ideas of psychological closure and catharsis. The heist is simply an entertaining way to get at the deeper conversation of mental health. Inception’s actual story is about Dom Cobb’s grief and the way in which his grief has separated him from his family. This process is defamiliarized through the plot device of dream-sharing, allowing the film to manifest Cobb’s deceased wife, Mal, through his subconscious thoughts and feelings. He’s then able to have “direct” interactions with her that represent his hanging on to grief and guilt. Ultimately, by defeating this version of Mal, he gives himself permission to move forward with his life.
The ideas of closure and catharsis are echoed in the heist, the goal of which is to go into the dreams of Robert Fischer, heir to a major business empire, and convince Fischer to dissolve his father’s kingdom. To achieve this, the team has to help Fischer come to the conclusion that his father loved him and wanted Robert to build something of his own. If Robert was unconvinced of his father’s love, if he carried around a sense of an unfulfilled relationship, then he would keep the company whole. It would be an emotional attachment. Because the team helps Robert believe his father loved him, Robert doesn’t need the company to feel a sense of connection so can wake up and decide to build his own legacy.
Inception ends with Cobb in a better place. The dream of returning to his kids has finally become reality.
Cast
- Dom Cobb – Leonardo CiCaprio
- Mal Cobb – Marion Cotillard
- Arthur – Joseph Gordon-Levitt
- Ariadne – Elliot Page
- Mr. Saito – Ken Watanabe
- Eames – Tom Hardy
- Yusuf – Dileep Rao
- Robert Michael Fischer – Cillian Murphy
- Professor Stephen Miles – Michael Caine
- Writer – Christopher Nolan
- Director – Christopher Nolan
Movie Guide
Title Explanation
What does the title Inception mean? What does it tell us about the movie’s intentions and storyline? Let’s dig in.
Themes and Meaning
Discover key themes of Inception that help us define the film’s commentary, message, and meaning.
Ending Explained
If the ending of Inception confused you, this explanation will help you understanding everything you need to know.
Important Motifs
Explore important motifs that indicate Inception‘s most crucial moments of symbolism.
Key Shots
A visual guide to Inception.
Questions and Answers
If you have questions about Inception, we have answers. Comment what you’re curious about and receive an answer.
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