I was absolutely taken back at how director Christopher Nolan could take a well worn, well known story like the Batman saga, turn it on its head, and create a movie that felt completely fresh yet familiar at the same time. The Gotham he created was unlike anything the Batman universe had ever seen, the characters deeper than ever before, all for the better. I loved the style Nolan brings to the table, how he takes his time in telling the story, but always keeps the action moving, surging towards a surely epic finale. When I initially heard he was following up his fantastic "Dark Knight" with a completely original film, I was most certainly intrigued. When it was announced that four of my personal favorite actors were joining the cast, it became a must-see in my book. I looked forward to this film for months.... and, as expected, it completely lived up to it's billing.
The performances in the film were top notch, just what you've come to expect from the actors involved. I'm becoming convinced that one can never go wrong Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt or Marion Cotillard in a film. Ellen Page was the highlight of the movie for me, performance-wise, as she wasn't playing Juno... which I was expecting would be the case. Cillian Murphy and Tom Hardy (who I'd never heard of or seen before this movie, coincidentally) were also solid additions to the cast.
The thing that got me most about this film was Nolan's screenplay and direction. Probably the one thing most said about the film is how complex the plot was, and it most certainly is complex. However, there was not a single time when I was watching that I felt overwhelmed or lost in it's complexity. Also, there wasn't a time where I felt trapped in the theatre, wondering how much longer there was to the movie, which I'd say is a real feat when a film clocks in at 2:28. Without saying anymore to prevent spoilers from those that haven't experienced the film yet, the ending of the film is fantastic, a relatively perfect touch by Nolan.
All in all, I absolutely loved this film. Best picture worthy? That remains to be seen. The film has been nominated for four Golden Globes: Nolan for Best Director and Best Screenplay, Hans Zimmer for Best Score, Best Picture (drama)... all nominations that will surely be duplicated by the Academy. I am a little surprised at no acting nominations for DiCaprio, Page and Cotillard, but looking at the other nominees, it is most certainly a crowded field (as always).
Obviously a huge fan of Christopher Nolan's work, I eagerly look forward to any and all news on THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, a movie that INCEPTION has made me incredibly excited for.
