Sequence Analysis

I will be writing on the movie "Inception." Specifically starting at 2 hours and 6 minutes, in which the characters are about three to four levels down within their "dreams" but actually their subconscious. At this moment, a series of "pre-kicks" (messages sent from one level to the next to signal the others down below to wrap up.) The cuts between different levels are perfectly timed. Almost as if the different events on the different levels were happening simultaneously. One "kick" which would awake the other below from the dream, happened instant from one shot to the next, leading the viewer from the bottom all the way back up to reality. So the bomb on the lowest level followed the elevator crashing down to the lobby, to the van falling off of the bridge hitting the water, all tied the viewer into the different levels seamlessly. The music was dramatic for effect. One of the characters stayed behind, leaving in doubt whether he ever escaped out of his subconscious or got stuck in "limbo." What really left me in awe was the different cuts from each level, almost confusing me into what was reality and what was the dream by the end of the scene. The use of parallel editing really worked for me. Different uses of long shots to extreme close ups really bought the viewer into the movie as a character. Whether it was a long shot of a sniper scanning the perimeter, or a close up of a conversation between ill father and son, the first person point of view was a strong and effective choice.