"The Matrix," A Genre Game-Changer

Rating: 10/10 (27 August 2013)

When the Wachowskis released "The Matrix" in 1999, it marked the dawn of a new age for the science fiction and action genres with the numerous technical and aesthetic innovations it contributed to the film industry. These would go on to earn it the widespread recognition of being one of the most important films of its generation, as well as quite arguably one of the greatest sci-fi films of its generation. At the time, few could have anticipated that such an edgy, high concept, and quasi-religious film would achieve the blockbuster success in which it did. Most assuredly technological advances in graphics, such as the "bullet time" technique developed specifically for the film, and an innovated aesthetic to the complexity of choreographed fight sequences, are factors contributing to its earned acclaim. However, one of the most critical elements, which has and will continue to contribute to the film's success, was the innovative postmodern hybrid score that Don Davis wrote for the film. Davis made unique orchestration decisions that were foreign to the popular trends in scoring at the time, and he constructed textural motives instead of themes to portray concepts pertaining to the film as opposed to the more traditional approach of creating thematically driven material designed to quite often score the characters. In doing so, he offered a unique sonic perspective and aesthetic quite fitting for such a mind-blowing and thought-provoking film which persuaded the critics, cult enthusiasts, and fans alike to take the red pill and happily tumble down the rabbit hole.