Discussion questions for Inception
- What were you thinking about as this film ended?
- What images from the film linger most vividly in your mind? Why do you think you were struck by them so forcefully?
- In one of Inception’s central scenes 19th century opium dens are recreated by dreamers instead of drug-users. How did this sequence make you feel? Why do you think you felt this way?
- Miles, endearingly acted by Michael Caine, plays the professor, a central figure in Cobb’s life. What does he represent to Cobb? What is his role in advancing the story?
- Nolan recently remarked, “I like films where the music and the sound design, at times, are almost indistinguishable.”(He lists Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” as one of his influences here.) Discuss his use of sound/music in Inception. Did it interfere with your perception of the film or undergird it?
- In your opinion is romance presented positively or negatively in Inception? How does it aid and/or hinder Cobb from resolving his dilemma?
- Early in the film Saito challenges Cobb, saying, “Don’t you want to take a leap of faith? Or become and old man, filled with regret, waiting to die alone?” What does he mean by this? What is he challenging Cobb to do and why?
- Cobb’s usual goal is to steal ideas. In Inception he’s forced to plant an idea, which is both more difficult and more powerful, in his words, “The seed we planted in this man’s mind may change everything.” Discuss how the power of ideas is presented in the film. Do you agree with Cobb’s assessment here or not? Defend your answer.
- What is the chief danger Cobb faces in Inception? How in the end does he face it? Does he find answers to his questions? What are they? Do you agree with him/them? What is he certain of in the end?
- At the end of the movie, does the top fall or not? Defend your answer, not in terms of what you want to happen, but from what you’ve seen in the film.
- If you were privileged enough to view Inception with Christopher Nolan, what questions would you like to discuss with him afterwards?