The Matrix

Rating: 6/10 (1 October 2012)

The Matrix is humans against the machines. The machines have almost ruined the entire human race, and a group of people must come together against all odds to battle the malicious machines to save what is left of the year 2199. This movie is not just packed with action, but allusions and symbolism as well. In the Matrix, there are various allusions to the classic story, Alice in Wonderland. In one pivotal scene, Neo is told to follow the "white rabbit." He has to make the choice to either follow a girl with a white rabbit tattoo and or to stay at home, just as Alice had to make the choice to follow the rabbit. The white rabbit symbolizes Neo's curiosity to learn more about what is the Matrix. Another allusion is when Neo is forced to make the decision to either go home, or take a red pill to "find out just how deep the rabbit hole goes." The red pill symbolizes the journey Neo will take to find out the truth about the Matrix, just as Alice had to make the decision to go on her journey. These references to Alice and Wonderland allow the audience to realize that Neo is embarking on a journey to a different "world." The writers and directors of the film, Larry and Andy Wachowski, create symbolism in the manner in which they name locations and characters in the film. In classic mythology, Morpheus is the god of dreams. He is named this because he is a leader of a "sleepy" society. In the year 2199 the only place human race still thrives is in the city of Zion. This city is never seen. But by not showing it, one could say that it represents Heaven. It is the only place where people can live safely. This city is called Zion because in the Old Testament, Zion is the heavenly city for people to live in safely. The religious themes continue throughout the film with the character Trinity. Trinity represents the number three, which relates to the "father," "son," and the "holy spirit." The Wachowski brothers are able to illustrate the differences between the virtual reality of 1999 and the present 2199 very well. When in 1999, the workers are portrayed as "drones," or people who act like robots/machines. They are blissfully unaware that their version of reality is not real and their minds are being used to power machines. It is always sunny, which represents that the virtual reality of the Matrix is far better than the present. When Neo is shown what 2199 actually looks like, he is stunned. There is no sun, only darkness. Morpheus' group must live in the dark underground tunnels referred to as sewers, while Neo learns his true potential. The darkness represents that the future is bleak and that humans have the potential to ruin their own planet. The contrast between the two time periods represents the fight between good and evil. All action films are in constant motion. Because the Matrix is an action movie, this means it was in constant motion. The Matrix is definitely action-packed; too action- packed in my opinion, being filled with battle scenes that set up good versus evil. Because the battles take place in virtual computer software, everyone has higher capabilities for fighting, running, etc. The battles seem to be the same ones over and over again, until the very end of the movie. I began to form the attitude that this film lacks creativity when it comes to the fight scenes. The special effects are very advanced in this film for being released in the nineties. The characters have the ability to scale walls and do advanced karate and Kung-Fu. The ability to switch from 1999, to a computer program, to 2199 is very impressive. Having grown up in the technological age of our society, I have learned from personal experiences that technology rules our lives. From making tea on the stove in the morning, to checking email throughout the day on both phones and computers, to using a kindle to read in the evening, one is always using technology. In the film The Matrix, an underlying message can be taken to not rely on technology, because it can be the downfall of civilization. But has society reached a point in which life cannot be sustained without technology? Before watching this film, I had previous knowledge that one can be oppressed in society. Examples of this can be seen in dictatorships worldwide. However, this film has taught me that society controls the way one feels, dresses, works, etc. To be different is to be great. Being outspoken will change the world for the better. Neo learned to be different and overcame the challenges to defeat his enemies in the end.