'Inception': Behind the scenes of a movie about movies -- and the mind of its maker

(Of course, that dinner conversation could be rather contentious, as not everyone thinksInceptionis all that dreamy.

Case in point: Our own Owen Gleiberman, who was less than impressed.)

My initial thought was that Nolan had crafted an elaborate allegory for filmmaking and moviegoing.

Nolan explained that each member of the team serves a role that has a movie analog.

The Architect (Ellen Page) would be the production designer.

The Forger (Tom Hardy) would be the actor.

The Point Man (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) would be The Producer.

The Extractor (DiCaprio) would be the director.

And The Mark (Cillian Murphy) would be usthe audience.

In trying to write a team-based creative process, I wrote the one I know, says Nolan.

Theres actually a great deal more of Nolan in the film.Inceptionis also a reflection of his artistic life.

I can lose myself in my job very easily, says Nolan.

Its rare that you might identify yourself so clearly in a film.

This film is very clear for me.

For more on Inception, pick up the new issue of Entertainment Weekly, on stands July 23rd.