With his inventive 2010 feature, mastermind Christopher Nolan created a cerebral journey through shifting dreamscapes that forever changed action filmmaking. The premise is deceptively simple: a skilled thief (Leonardo DiCaprio) is the absolute best in the dangerous art of extraction, stealing valuable secrets from deep within the subconscious. His unique abilities cost him everything he has ever loved but a chance at redemption spurs him to mastermind one last heist. From this is born a complex narrative that questions what is real, why we dream, and the very nature of cinema itself. Nolan doesn’t reinvent anything with Inception (the late Satoshi Kon tackled the dreamworld in an arguably more inventive way with Paprika a few years prior) but masterfully builds on genre – film noir, sci-fi, and heists – to create an engrossing new work that reminds us how magical blockbusters can be. That he did so in the midst of endless sequels and remakes – to which he himself contributed – is no small feat. Inception went on to become one of the highest grossing films of 2010 and won four academy awards, including Cinematography and Visual Effects.
The 1:30 pm "After Hours in the Sun" screening is at regular price but includes free popcorn, happy hour and $5 tickets for After Hours members.