Classic metaphysical allegory framed in modern dress

Rating: 10/10 (6 April 1999)

Andy and Larry Wachowski, who wrote and directed this finely written, darkly rendered film, have access. They have access to superior intelligence, theirs, and surprisingly, to the Hollywood industry, which usually scorns anything approximating intelligent film making. That the plot takes its motive from a tried and true classic Science Fiction concept (a projection into future reality with attending amplification of a current fear) should certainly not be a factor in any critical analysis of this production. With THE MATRIX, the Wachowskis have delivered to us a superior multilevel cornucopia of brain food and enough audiovisual sensory power to satisfy a wide range of audience.
The realization of the plot is fast moving and with engrossing detail. The dialogue is straight, like the scenario, with sparse subtext and filled with thought provoking concepts that are liberally tossed out in rapid fire, almost too fast. The payoff, at least for some of us, of course, is the exercise in mental gymnastics and the interlaced dialogues of mankind's true meaning on Earth. What is mankind but mind, and can we survive ourselves:? A good old song worth singing once more, and with dazzling orchestration.
The film ends with a positive turn but leaves the intelligent viewer with much to reflect upon. This is not a bad thing, not bad at all.