My final theories on 'Inception'

I have yet to fully grasp everything about Inception, but I'm getting closer.

Last week, I declared the film a massive sci-fi success, which remains true as box office totals eclipse $100 million in the first 10 days of release. Like most fans, I'm absolutely enthralled by the perplexing story and depth provided by director, writer and producer Christopher Nolan.

I've thought about every potential scenario within the plot to finally come to terms with certain outcomes of Nolan's film. If you haven't seen Inception, leave now to avoid spoilers! I'm on my way to a third screening of the movie this week, and I would highly suggest multiple viewings to fully comprehend the dream world.

Feel free to disagree with my final thoughts, because there are no wrong answers, but I feel obligated to address some of the most puzzling scenes from the best film of 2010. In case you forgot some of the characters and actors, here's a cheat sheet via IMDb.

In addition, here's a link to a very helpful diagram featuring the five "levels" of Inception. The diagram is by Matt Sinopoli of Cinema Blend.

Why is Saito old at the beginning and end of the movie?

Saito aged into his eighties because he was stuck in limbo. He reached limbo when he was shot in Level 2; his condition worsened until he finally succumbed to the injury in Level 4. Cobb (DiCaprio) stayed in limbo once he left Mal, and told Ariadne to peace out with Fischer. (Cobb and Ariadne got to limbo by using the dream machine in Level 4). Cobb found Saito several years later after washing up on the beach. Both Cobb and Saito aged tremendously, while remaining in tact on the plane. Both escaped limbo together with two shots from Saito's gun, thus reuniting in reality. Cobb needed to save Saito in order to have his criminal charges fixed. The scene is spliced to appear at the start and end.

The film is actually a metaphor representing...

...movies and stories. Stories are constructed through memory; we put the pieces together, acting as our own architects who build from our past. In addition, the film is a metaphor for filmmaking; Cobb is the director, while his supporting cast acts as producers, writers, set designers, etc. Fischer (Murphy) is a metaphor for the audience exposed to the production.

What's the best scene?

The zero gravity fight scene in the hotel hallway.

Does Saito know about the totems?

Yes. He enters the bathroom in reality and catches Cobb trying to use it after leaving a dream. (Old) Saito uses Cobb's totem (the top) near the conclusion of the film to confirm he's in limbo, or else he would not have known otherwise.

What does 528-491 mean?

It means nothing outside the film. They're random numbers used by Fischer in Level 2 as a combination to open his father's safe in Level 4. Fischer randomly shouted these numbers to throw off the crew. They're used again in Level 3; the hotel rooms are 528, 491. However, the combination is later accepted as a projection in Level 4, thus opening the safe and revealing the secrets to destroy Fischer's company.

What was the song used for the kick?

The 1960 French song is called "Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien" by Edith Piaf. The song's title literally means, "No, I regret nothing" when translated. This is especially symbolic because Cobb frees himself of any guilt surrounding the death of his wife by the end of the story. Cobb is reunited with his kids because of his endeavor (leap of faith), and therefore, regrets nothing.

Is Mal dead?

Yes. She killed herself after her husband, Cobb, used inception to plant the idea that she needed to leave the dream state when the couple built their own civilization in a dream world. They grew old together, living in the dream state for 50 years. However, when she finally left the dream state and entered reality, the idea stuck and Mal went crazy. They were "old souls in young bodies," and Mal couldn't handle the transition. Her suicide occurred in reality. This is why Cobb compares an idea to a virus or parasite that sticks to the mind. He would know better than anyone else.

How did some members of the team end up in limbo?

If someone dies prematurely (i.e., shot or murdered) in a dream state during the mission, that individual was sent into limbo until kicked back into reality. Otherwise, one's brain would be essentially paralyzed. Cobb is the only person who previously experienced the limbo state. Limbo is just a shared dream state of nothing, where one's mind is completely stuck unless it's saved. Fischer was shot by Mal, who was then shot by Cobb, who joined Ariadne in the dream machine to get to limbo.

Is the entire movie a dream?

Absolutely not. In order for the story to operate, one would need a clear sense of reality to understand the consequences of the dream world. It's basic philosophy. I always ask people about the meaning of winning if losing doesn't exist. The movie simply doesn't operate to its full capacity without a clear sense of reality. If it's all a dream, then who's Cobb, and why do we care? Chris Nolan doesn't write that way. If he did, then Memento is all in Lenny's head, and his wife is actually alive. Nolan doesn't expose his fans to cheap theatrics and sloppy storytelling. Reality exists in the movie. Period.

The ending: DREAM or REALITY?

It doesn't matter, that's why the scene is cut short. Cobb is with his family, free of any guilt and regret. He grew old with Mal, and now lives on with his children. He walks away at the end, because he simply doesn't care anymore. That's the point of the entire movie. It's a happy ending.

The End.

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