Propp’s theory of character roles in the narrative is also challenged in this film. His theory points to the structure of narrative and the way that inceptions works disputes this. In particular, the lack of binary oppositions on the form of the hero vs villain roles. Throughout the film the linear structure is disrupted, with the beginning of the film being the end, and constant flips between different layers of dreams. In this way, the film mixes up time, space and reality, as time is different in the different layers of the time.
Rejects Jameson's theory that Postmodernism is "depthless" because characters are complex and develop throughout the film. The plot develops and raises the question what is reality? The ending adds to the philosophical questioning by not clearly establishing whether Cobb (a character) was dreaming about returning to his children or not, the top is left spinning on the table however screen goes to the credits so the audience don't see it fall. Postmodernism is usually against interpretation but the ending is clear, which leaves the audience questioning; the reality portrayed in the film with Cobb returning home, the reality portrayed in the film - is the director hinting to the audience that it is fictional, hyper real story, or whether life itself is "real" in the sense is life actually just a dream and we wake up when we die, like Mal believed.
Christopher Nolan (director) plays Inception on the audience through the soundtrack of Edith Piaf "Non, je ne regrette rien" being slowed down the deeper the characters are in the dream levels. The music feels distant in the 3rd level as if the audience are in the levels of dreams too - that the film is in fact a dream, playing on the fact that when the audience stop watching a film they almost feel disorientated having been drawn into the story and world that is portrayed in the film. The use of this music enforces the postmodern theory of transtextuality because hypertextuality is used
It requires an engaged audience who are able to intellectually understand the plot. So in some ways it can be seen as elitist. However it has grossed $825 million which shows that it does appeal to a
mass audience. It is able to mix mass culture of Blockbuster effects with a deep, complex plot.
Conclude – Overall, It’s clear that inception is a really postmodern film, as is suggested particularly by the ongoing theme of hyper reality ETC
by
glblake (student)
