While I am still deeply fascinated about the plot of the film, my second viewing allowed me to carefully analyze it’s overall aesthetics and how the sound was carried out along with the pleasing visual effects throughout the film. My initial viewing of the film was in IMAX, so I was more drawn towards the anti-gravity fighting scenes, explosions and slow-motion sequences. After the second viewing, I had a much more better understanding of the overall story, from lines spoken by characters to the sound that was used, whether they were the music used to wake the dreamers up, or the occasional background music that was chosen to be played during different scenes of the film, it was precisely crafted by Hans Zimmer, a German composer and music producer who is responsible for the fine production of music scores for over 100 films. Notable mentions of his works include The Lion King, The Da Vinci Code, The Pirate of the Caribbean series, and The Dark Knight.
Now for those that haven’t seen the film yet, I am going to spoil certain facts about the film. Everything in the movie, from sound, to visuals, to speeches are not only carefully crafted; at many times they act as foreshadows for later events in the film which plays a crucial role in revealing the full story. To appreciate the story completely, I will recommend you to listen to every sentence said by every actor in the film. Since the film is so rich in visual effects, a second viewing would clarify any misunderstandings or confusions, and allow you to truly link the clues together. While the sayings of DiCaprio and Watanabe throughout the film are inarguably the most important in relation to the port, other characters’ script are important as well. DiCaprio’s appearance in the start of the film with Watanabe as an old man’s conversation is crucial. Careful listening of this scene will allow you to understand the script as foreshadowing devices. Quotes such as “Dare you take a leap of faith? Or become an old man, filled with regret, waiting to die alone.” are one of the many important quotes throughout the movie.
As far as the background score, not only does it build excitement for the entire duration of the film. The sound and music chosen always plays a role in telling the story. Remember the start of the movie? Before the ocean clashes, there were sounds of incoming sirens of the train. This particular background music was used in many different parts of the movie, whether you were conscious of it or not. It was very apparent in scenes where “trains” actually showed up, but it was a really good method of foreshadowing of the revision of how trains were related to the cause of the protagonist’s personal problem which played was a mystery throughout the whole movie until the near-end.
For movies that I really like, I can go on and continuously describe more and more about it, but it will probably bored you. I took an introductory course to film studies and all we did was watch movies in class. The professeur could also analyze and break down the film through the academic method. Films are interesting because not only it’s a very popular art form, every good film can plant an idea in your head, and sounds play a crucial role in the inception of ideas.
If you appreciate the overall aesthetics of the film as I did, get your hands on the Inception Soundtrack composed by Hans Zimmer. Hit the jump for the track list of the soundtrack and I’ve attached below the opening score of the film titled: “Half Remembered Dream”.
