Writer/Director Christopher Nolan has called his blockbuster an "experimental" film; and that is both its genius and its problem.  This shortish film (only 106 minutes) *IS* an experiential masterpiece.  But that is accomplished at the expense of traditional story-telling and character development.  It will not appeal to everyone, particularly if you come to it thinking you are about to see a typical, Hollywood-mytholgized, period history film.  Ya know, with big name stars the audience can root for!