Inception: Christopher Nolan pays homage to Islam?

[abdalquran]

Just watched Inception two days ago. Good film (not as good as Prestige or Momento, sorry to say). To those who don't know, this film is about dreams and works on the supposition that we can enter other people's dreams for whatever purpose. Anyhow, one of the characters names is Yusuf and I wonder if Christopher Nolan knew that Yusuf in the Islamic tradition was the Prophet connected with the ability to dream and foretell the future.

[CavemanDoctor]

I saw it yesterday and loved it.  It has been my most anticipated movie for about 6 months now as I love Nolan.  It was even better than I expected (definitely liked it better than The Prestige, about on par with Memento).  I'm sure the Yusuf connection was intentional. 

The movie just works on so many levels.  I hope more people watch it so we can discuss it in more detail in this thread. 

[jaythikay99]

its trailer seems interesting. I think I’ll watch it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrYPJ4Yc31g

[Raaajah]

When young Joseph incurred the wrath of his brothers by telling them, with innocent honesty, of two symbolic dreams portraying his eventual dominion over them, they conspired to kill "this dreamer" (Gen. 37:19-20)

Christopher Nolan pays homage to Islam?

If this is a question, NO, I don't think so,

I am curious why this title ofthe thread was chosen.

[Jack]

I think it's no coincidence that the character is named Yusuf. Moreover, the fact that he is the 'driver seat' is too incidental, to be mere happenstance.

The guy is too great of a writer (and clearly intelligent) for that to be unintentional, IMO. I, too, am a huge fan of Nolan and I think he's outdone himself yet again.
 

It was even better than I expected (definitely liked it better than The Prestige, about on par with Memento).

I completely agree with this. He doesn't know how to make bad movies, does he? I had been looking forward to this ever since it was announced. Lots of layers to this, and more to be uncovered after a repeat viewing i am sure. Lots of really cool, imaginative action sequences, slo mos, etc...


EDIT TO ADD: I must say that a part of me is disappointed that Christopher Nolan has gone mainstream. It felt like a tutorial in some parts because how dumb the average movie-goer is. At least he has gone back to his roots. That being said, It's still a very intelligent film and not for those expecting a dumbed down summer blockbuster. Reminded me of: shutter island, the matrix, memento, 8 1/2, and a much less subtle mulholland dr; all rolled into one.

[san]

I think it's no coincidence that the character is named Yusuf. Moreover, the fact that he is the 'driver seat' is too incidental, to be mere happenstance.

The guy is too great of a writer (and clearly intelligent) for that to be unintentional, IMO. I, too, am a huge fan of Nolan and I think he's outdone himself yet again.
 
I completely agree with this. He doesn't know how to make bad movies, does he? I had been looking forward to this ever since it was announced. Lots of layers to this, and more to be uncovered after a repeat viewing i am sure. Lots of really cool, imaginative action sequences, slo mos, etc...


EDIT TO ADD: I must say that a part of me is disappointed that Christopher Nolan has gone mainstream. It felt like a tutorial in some parts because how dumb the average movie-goer is. At least he has gone back to his roots. That being said, It's still a very intelligent film and not for those expecting a dumbed down summer blockbuster. Reminded me of: shutter island, the matrix, memento, 8 1/2, and a much less subtle mulholland dr; all rolled into one.

Jack, i'm supposed to be in a stealth-sneaking mode but i have to come up on this and confront you: Why do you have to copy my taste in film? Dude why!

And, abdal, the Yusuf/Joseph story isn't exclusive to "islamic tradition", is it? Just because he chose "Yusuf" over "Joseph"...

... anyway that doesn't matter. The theme of dream is quite sensitive to me, as i have major issues with it. I won't discuss it right now, thank you.

Only one comment so far: i think the most precious dream is one that is not a secret at all. Stealable, but can never be grasped except by those worthy of it.

(or do you think that counts as a secret?)

[Haroon]

This was an incredible film. It really was. Was Christopher Nolan paying a homage to Islam? I doubt it.

But I think it's no coincidence that the person who is in charge of the dreams and in the driver seat is called Yusuf. I believe that he did what all good writers do and that is reference and draw from a rich tapestry of cultures and storytelling traditions.

[san]

Jack, i'm supposed to be in a stealth-sneaking mode but i have to come up on this and confront you: Why do you have to copy my taste in film? Dude why!

And, abdal, the Yusuf/Joseph story isn't exclusive to "islamic tradition", is it? Just because he chose "Yusuf" over "Joseph"...

... anyway that doesn't matter. The theme of dream is quite sensitive to me, as i have major issues with it. I won't discuss it right now, thank you.

Only one comment so far: i think the most precious dream is one that is not a secret at all. Stealable, but can never be grasped except by those worthy of it.

(or do you think that counts as a secret?)

shutup san, you're talking no sense

[Jack]

shutup san, you're talking no sense

Peace san,

bro, relax. You make mucho sense. Dont worry so much

[Wakas]

I saw this film a while back, it was very good.