“Inception”, directed by Christopher Nolan, is one of the greatest cinematic phenomena of the 21st century. Released in 2010, the work not only captivated critics and audiences but also challenged the conventions of the science fiction genre. With an intricate plot about a group of espionage experts who invade dreams to extract valuable information, Inception stands out for its originality and narrative complexity.
The film combines stunning visual effects with a storyline that demands attention and reflection, creating a unique cinematic experience. In this text, we will explore fascinating trivia about Inception, from its innovative concepts to behind-the-scenes details that contribute to its greatness.
Get ready to dive into the secrets behind this masterpiece that continues to captivate and intrigue audiences years after its release.
1 – WRITING THE SCRIPT
Christopher Nolan worked on the script for Inception for nearly a decade. He drew inspiration from spy films and the concept of shared dreams. Initially, the script was so complex that Nolan rewrote it several times to make it more accessible to the audience.
2 – HELPING THE AUDIENCE UNDERSTAND THE CONFUSING SCRIPT
To avoid confusion, television broadcasters in Japan added text in the upper left corner of the screen, informing viewers about the level of the subconscious where the scenes were taking place.
3 – COMPLETELY ORIGINAL WORK
This was Nolan’s first film since his directorial debut, Following (1998), that is completely original. During this time, all his other works were remakes or adaptations of comics, novels, or short stories.
4 – LEONARDO DICAPRIO: THE ONLY OPTION
DiCaprio was the only choice considered for the role of the protagonist Cobb, according to Nolan and producer Emma Thomas.
5 – DICAPRIO AND WINSLET TOGETHER AGAIN?
Kate Winslet was considered for the role of Mal but decided to turn it down, stating that she couldn’t imagine herself in the role. The part ended up being played by Oscar winner Marion Cotillard.
6 – ELLEN PAGE DIDN’T NEED TO AUDITION
Actress Ellen Page, a fan of Christopher Nolan’s films, met with the director without knowledge of the project and ended up being chosen for the role of Ariadne without the need for an audition. “I actually had a meeting with him just because I was a huge fan of his films. I had no idea about the film when we met. The script completely surprised me,” said the actress.
7 – HIDING INFORMATION
During filming, details about the plot were carefully kept secret. Nolan described the project enigmatically as a modern sci-fi action thriller, “set within the structure of the mind.”
8 – “DREAMS PAY”
If we use the initials of the main characters—Dom, Robert, Eames, Arthur, Mal, and Saito—we get the word “Dreams.” Including Peter, Ariadne, and Yusuf, the complete phrase becomes “Dreams Pay,” referring to what the team does to extract secrets from the subconscious.
9 – GREEK MYTHOLOGY
The character Ariadne, played by actress Ellen Page, is named after the Greek mythology princess, daughter of King Minos, who helps the hero Theseus by providing him with a sword and a thread to guide him through the Minotaur’s labyrinth. “I wanted to use this reference to help illustrate to the audience the importance of the labyrinth,” she commented.
10 – MULTIPLE COUNTRIES
Inception was filmed in six countries across four continents: Japan, Morocco, France, England, Canada, and the United States.
11 – THE CORRIDOR FIGHT SCENE
Before filming the corridor fight scene, actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt underwent two weeks of physical training to prepare, learning how to handle the platform rotations and the cables attached to his body. “It was the most fun I’ve ever had on a film set. But it was also probably the most physical pain I’ve ever felt on a set, but, you know, the good kind of pain,” he commented during a press conference.
12 – THE INFINITE STAIRCASE
To create the “infinite staircase” in one of the film’s key scenes, Nolan initially tried to have his team build a staircase that fit the concept he had in mind, but this proved unfeasible. As a result, they assembled a conventional staircase and relied on the visual effects team to find the right angle to “trick” the audience.
13 – ARCHITECTURE
Architecture plays an important role both in the film’s plot and in Nolan’s personal life. A crucial scene in Inception was filmed at the architecture school of University College London, where Nolan studied English literature and also met his wife and producer, Emma Thomas.
14 – VIDEO GAME
A few months after the film’s release, creator and director Christopher Nolan expressed interest in developing a video game set in the Inception universe. He mentioned that this is a future idea and expressed his desire to explore the world of video games.
15 – ON THE LIST OF THE TOP 100 GROSSING FILMS OF ALL TIME
At the time of its release, Inception grossed $836.8 million globally, becoming the fourth highest-grossing film of 2010.
As of 2024, it reached the Top 100 highest-grossing films of all time and currently holds the 95th position, ranking just behind Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and ahead of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
“Inception” continues to fascinate audiences with its complex narrative, innovative visuals, and layers of meaning. The trivia behind the production reveals Christopher Nolan’s dedication and care in creating a work that challenges both intellect and imagination.
From the use of practical effects to references to mythology and architecture, every detail was meticulously planned to build a story that unfolds like a true labyrinth. The combination of action, philosophy, and an engaging soundtrack has made “Inception” a landmark in cinema, influencing pop culture and sparking discussions about the nature of dreams and reality.
Even years after its release, the film remains relevant, showing how cinema can be an art form that transcends entertainment and invites reflection on the layers of the human mind.