Inception opening analysis by Nathan

The Beach

-The first two shots of Inception are rather deceiving as they seem to give a sense of equilibrium, as we are shown a colourful, sunlit sea. However, we soon find out that they are just establishing shots to be followed by a close up of the film's main protagonist, Cobb, waking up in shallow waters by a beach. This deception is an initial sign of what is to come in the film, as there are many parts meant to confuse the spectator throughout.

-Another moment of contrast very early on is where we are then shown two children playing on the beach, alongside Cobb lying in the sand looking confused. The setting around the children is very happy appealing, including props like a sandcastle. They are wearing bright, patterned costumes which suggest happiness and freedom. The first diegetic sound in the film other than the sea is of the girl screaming in a happy manner. The subtle music in this part of the scene is very calming and atmospheric. In contrast, Cobb is shown looking very dazed and confused whilst lying with his head partly in the water. His gaping mouth and frowning eyebrows suggest unhappiness. Shot reverse shot is used to alternate between shots of Cobb and the children, creating juxtaposition. This creates enigma for the spectator, as we don't know whether this is a positive or negative scene at this point, as well as the questions raised as to how he got there.

-Our doubts as to whether this is really a happy scene are confirmed when a gun is used to tap Cobb on the back, suggesting danger. This gun is then used to pull his coat back and reveal that Cobb is also in possession of a gun. Guns are one of the most common props in Thrillers, due to their threatening connotations. The spectator already feels like someones life could be in danger due to the fact they're both in possession of deadly weapons. It is already clear that the film doesn't fit Todorov's narrative theory, as there is no equilibrium at the beginning, we are thrown straight into a negative environment where we aren't sure what is occurring or who is safe.


The Palace

-To take us from the beach to the inside of the seaside Japanese palace, we are shown a POV shot of the guard who was in possession of the gun looking up at one of the guards by the palace after having shouted to him. The shot pans right and tilts up to show the majority of one side of the impressive building. The use of the massive palace as a setting gives a sense of importance, and suggests that Cobb could be an important person, by being taken into such a place. The low frequency cuts throughout the scene show these men for long periods of time, underlining their importance even more.

-Low key lighting is used on the inside of the palace, where we see a large room with a table and hundreds of small dim lights hanging from above. The scale of the room, along with the expensive looking hand crafted decor, reiterates the idea of power and importance, as well as conveying the idea of grandeur. The spectator is immediately made to be in awe of the palace and the authoritative people inside of it, especially the man sat at the table, who is the one giving orders to others. The low angles that are used to show the men, along with the long duration of shots suggesting significance in the film, make the spectator feel inferior to them and threatened by them.

-When Cobb is then brought into the room, we fear the worst as we know they are now in possession of him and his weapon, meaning they have all the power. The spectator is therefore fearful that something bad could happen to Cobb, as these seemingly stranger men have control over him.

-The prop of the spinning top is a crucial part of Inception, as it can show the spectator whether someone is dreaming or not, though we are only told this later in the film. The use of it at this early stage begins to highlight its importance through use of a close up, and foreshadows what is to come later on.