Cutting Edge Sci-Fi

Rating: 10/10 (20 March 2011)

Keanu Reeves, playing Neo, discovers that he is the key to breaking the world free of a computer-generated "reality" by destroying the Matrix. Neo is a talented hacker working a dead-end tech job while searching for Morpheus, played by Laurence Fishburne, who can tell him the truth about the "Matrix". Through a series of mysterious communications and awkward moments with Trinity, played by Carrie-Ann Moss, Neo finds that the world is really only a computer-generated world and that reality is really the ravaged Earth now controlled by the computers that have created the Matrix. While this movie has a lot of action and cutting-edge effects work, the story drives it more than anything else.
There is one true Alice in Wonderland moment in The Matrix as Neo makes the transition from the imaginary world to the real world, reaching through a mirror and becoming encased in the silver. There are many surreal moments throughout the film, but this one moment introduces you to the effects that one can expect throughout the film. Throughout the film there are two noticeable methods being used to enhance the story and make the film unique. First, the Wachowski brothers have not only created a unique story, but have created an innovative filming technique that will probably be copied in every major action/sci-fi film for the foreseeable future. The action sequences were not only accentuated by the stop-motion method of filming, but also by the 3-D quality created throughout the action sequences. Added to that drama is the fact that all of the camera angles within the movie serve a purpose, not only creating focus but adding to the story by matching words to action. Lighting is also used successfully throughout the film in order to demonstrate the changes between the matrix world and the real world. The real world, though never perfect, is lit more brightly and colorfully than the real world. Part of this is because of the fact that the real world is underground, but I think that the addition of this and the use of color in the matrix world also tie into the fact that there are those in the real world who dream of going back to their pretend lives, unaware of reality. The real world is harsh and rough, which is denoted by consistent dim lighting no matter what the setting is, giving it an industrial feel throughout.
The entire movie is worthy of watching over and over again, but what makes The Matrix truly noteworthy is that it combines a great plot line with unique filming techniques that surpass most science-fiction films. There is action,drama, fantasy, and romance all rolled up into one leather and latex ball, creating a story that will always be relevant in the tech world with effects that the next generation will study in school.