MovieChat Forums > Inception (2010) Discussion > How could Saito erase Cobb's charges?

How could Saito erase Cobb's charges?

posted 8 years ago by Chopperbubba
14 replies | jump to latest

I understand that Saito is a powerful energy tycoon, who could easily bribe custom officials, but how on earth could he ever influence the DA in any way to make Cobb's murder charges to go away? Seems a bit far fetched, especially seeing how he's not even American or a politician.. For the sake of argument, if Saito was simply the key to Cobb's entry to the US, surely Cobb could have found a much easier method to smuggle himself into the country, instead of concocting this elaborate plan? Thoughts?

[–] realbullet 8 years ago

He doesn't really have to bribe the DA (although, he could). The world built in this movie revolves around high powered corporations who wield immense power around the world without ramifications. In other words, the world is one where this is possible.

There are other ways to make the charges go away -- most of them involve a high team of lawyers filing briefs and a sympathetic judge running for re-election. Once certain evidence is disallowed, the DA may no longer have the proof to support a conviction. Saito could even have this completed, with the phone call made only to have him cleared through customs.

That being said -- all of that is immaterial. Cobb getting home to his children is the MacGuffin. It drives his actions to fulfill the plot (including hiding the dangers of Limbo from his team.) Saito tells us in the helicopter that he has this power, but Cobb says that it isn't possible. This is where we first hear the leap of faith line.

👿 I know something you don't know ... I am ambidextrous!

[–] chrisbradleyog 8 years ago

I like to think the charges aren't dropped. He just makes a call to someone who works at the TSA that will allow him in, regardless of record.

[–] DeadpoolU88 8 years ago

It was a dream. All of it.

[–] RyanEvo9 8 years ago

Because he's rich. You can do anything with money.

By the beard of Zeus!

[–] DeadpoolU88 8 years ago

Except swimming in it.

[–] Gjonnyboy 8 years ago

It's on right now lol. The real question is why doesn't Michael Caine just bring the kids to London? To visit even?

"Call me Winston."

[–] realbullet 8 years ago

Because Michael Caine does not have custody of the children. I'm not sure why this question keeps coming up. He would never be allowed to take the children out of the country.

👿 I know something you don't know ... I am ambidextrous!

[–] Gjonnyboy 8 years ago

My Grandparents did not have custody of me growing up, I still visited and traveled with them all the time. I do not see your point....?

"Call me Winston."

[–] Gjonnyboy 8 years ago

I should also mention that my Mother's family lives out of state and over seas and my father's family is all in the Balkans.

"Call me Winston."

[–] realbullet 8 years ago

While this may have been different many years ago, a child under 18 is supposed to have a notorized letter, signed by their parents or guardian, to grant permission to travel overseas. A child can technically travel with one parent, but (due to increases in disputed custody cases) they should still have the notorized letter.

The question is whether or not the guardian would have granted the children permission to travel. I think most people can understand cases where that is not likely (such as a case where the grandmother is appointed guardian and she blames her son-in-law and ex-husband for her daughter's death.)

👿 I know something you don't know ... I am ambidextrous!

[–] Gjonnyboy 8 years ago

I appreciate the reply Bullet, and I assure you I am not trying to be a smart*ss lol. I didn't realize that this is a common thread. I was just watching "Inception" last night, and when Cobb makes it home to his children AND Prof. Miles (Michael Caine) is there?!?! It dawned on me haha. Is it mentioned explicitly who does in fact have custody of the children? My perception (heyo!) was that the grandparents had custody.

"Call me Winston."

[–] realbullet 8 years ago

Is it mentioned explicitly who does in fact have custody of the children? My perception (heyo!) was that the grandparents had custody.

It is not explicitly mentioned. It is just something that you can piece together from the conversations. Mal's mother has custody in the United States (which you can tell from the early telephone conversation.) You can tell from the same conversation that she and Cobb have a poor relationship.

Miles lives in France. They are obviously separated, but not so much that he feels unwelcome visiting his grandchildren. At the same time, Cobb's mother-in-law knows that Miles is in touch with Cobb -- because Miles is bringing them presents from him.

Custody rights are very strong in the United States -- mostly as a result of abductions by the non-custodial parent.

I appreciate that you are not being a smart-ass. Sorry if I came across harshly.

👿 I know something you don't know ... I am ambidextrous!

[–] Gjonnyboy 8 years ago

Well that's good enough for me! haha. Ohh thanks bullet, I didn't think you were coming across that way at all. Sometimes on these boards discussions can digress in to sh*it storms rather quickly lol. Thanks for the insight.

"Call me Winston."

[–] artistathome 8 years ago

as to how charges can be dropped, I don't think that was actually going on here. I think Saito with his billions his capable of making the charges "go away" and no one be the wiser. after all, there was some question all along as to whether she actually jumped herself.

computers are fallible. you can take things out of a file in a computer and suddenly Cobb doesn't even show up in the customs computer. that is all it takes to get him back into the country.