This movie made my head hurt, but in a good way.
While the analysis of perception is a well-worn theme, Nolan’s in-depth and intelligent approach of the subject matter is unique.
Technically, the film is brilliant. Nolan ups the ante for editing with fast and logical intercutting between five in-movie realities.
Be warned that the first hour of the film is very expository. This isn’t a slight; as the film needs to be structured this way. Because the internal logic of the story is highly nuanced, Nolan needs the audience to understand the rules before he can push the envelope in the extraordinary final act.
It’s funny how you can identify a Nolan film by its look. Pfister and Nolan have a very specific way in which they light and frame shots. When the movie begins, it almost feels like Nolan is going back to visit Ra's Al Ghul in Mongolia.
In terms of performances, the intelligent cast is mainly solid. Unfortunately for them, the actors largely serve as a means for forwarding the story. There is an emotional pay-off for DiCaprio’s character, however.
Overall, I think Watanabe and Cotillard were especially good in the film. It’s possible that Cillian Murphy gives the best and most human performance. (I can’t determine if the outcome for his character is tragic, therapeutic, or both.)
In the end, Nolan continues his streak of good to extraordinary filmmaking. If The Dark Knight made him seem like one of the more important directors alive today, this movie confirms it.