Inception

A gang of social misfits use their will power to change the world... IN FOUR DIMENSIONS!

Nominated for:
Cinematography - Wally Pfister
Best Picture
Original Screenplay - Christopher Nolan

Also nominated for:
Art Direction
Original Score - Hans Zimer
Sound Editing - Richard King
Sound Mixing
Visual Effects

Like most people who saw this film, I left the theater with my hands clapped over my ears to prevent my precious brain from leaking out and splashing onto the floor.  "Christopher Nolan!" I yelled, shaking my foot at the sky (because my hands were holding in my brain) "Why must you confound me so? Don't you know that I need my brain to stay inside my head?!" And some people thought Memento was too complicated...

The movie is pretty solid. Gorgeous, lush sets and cinematography push the hyper-realistic atmosphere (cuz most of the movie takes place inside the inside of the inside of some dudes head...), and the awesome score and soundscapes drive the heart-rate right up there into the danger zone.  Given the complexity of the narrative, I'm a little surprised Nolan didn't get a directing nomination, or that it didn't also get recognized for film editing. Nevertheless, I love almost everything about this film, except the protagonist. This is because Leonardo DiCaprio's sweaty, squinty face makes me want to hurl, no matter how slick the environment in which it's plopped.

And of course, like anything that takes itself too seriously, the film sparked some awesome satire.

Eli

On the Eli scale, Inception gets a 5 for innovation, 3 for emotional content, and a 4 for cohesiveness