What is the matrix?

Rating: 10/10 (8 November 2005)

What is the matrix? This is the question we are constantly asking ourselves, as we are absorbed into the web of the film written and directed by the talented Wachowski brothers, Lary and Andy, the creative minds behind the less popular but critically acclaimed 1996 film, Bound as well as the Matrix Trilogy. The Matrix, the first film in the trilogy is about Birth and as we delve deeper into Neo's (Keanu Reeves, Speed, Constantine, Something's Gotta Give) world, the answer to the nagging question unfolds in a slow sprawling way, much like the eerie text of the Matrix code. One doesn't need to be an expert in the field of computer science to understand the techno babble and jargon used by the 'hackers'; a strong background in religion and mythology could be more useful. Throughout the film, the directors rely heavily on religious motifs for places, (the Nebuchadnezzar, Morpheus' ship, which refers to a Bible passage) names, (Neo  referring to The One in Greek mythology or The Saviour Jesus Christ, Trinity, in reference to the Holy Trinity and Morpheus, the god of dreaming and heaven) and events (Neo being killed by the machine-world 'agents' only to be resurrected seventy two seconds later by Trinity, similar to Jesus Christ).
All the way through the film, imaginative choices have been made by cinematographer Bill Pope, and art director, Hugh Bateup, which subtly add to the cold harsh world of the Matrix and in contrast, the 'real world'. All the scenes that are set in The Matrix are bathed in a sickly green glow, echoing the text of the Matrix code. Along with this, Neo is always inundated with a harsh, white light, making him appear helpless and week before he is 'unplugged' or enlighten by Morpheus (Lawrence Fishburn). Juxtaposed with this is the metallic blue light that shrouds all the scenes shot in the 'real world'. This contrast isn't noticeable overall, but it delicately and ingeniously gives the audience the feeling that something is slightly off plum within the world of the Matrix and makes for an intensely dramatic and thoroughly thrilling experience. The original score by Composer, Don Davis is spine chilling and foreboding. Relying heavily on brass and percussion for creepy effects, the score, coupled with alternative heavy metal songs, add a manic feel to the film, which accurately depicts the state of mind Neo is in.
As well as the impressive casting, Carrie-Anne Moss who completes the threesome as Trinity as well as the rebels nemesis, Agent Smith, played by Australia's Hugo Weaving, whose mechanic voice and excellent expressions are a highlight, the special effects and martial arts are the films greatest achievements. With the legendary Woo-ping Yuen, the master behind such films as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Kill Bill, Vol.2, he brings his speciality of the famous Chinese 'wire-work' to the film, enabling Neo to fly over the city streets and partake in some of the fastest and well choreographed scenes ever seen on film. Coupled with the martial arts are the revolutionary Special Effects, specifically 'Bullet Time' invented by Special Effects wizard John Gaeta which is a technique developed for The Matrix, using a series of still cameras to capture a three-dimensional image of an action whereby the passage of time is slowed down so that an observer can see individual bullets flying throughout the scene at a conceivable rate, usually with their trails made visible. It is often used to create a dramatic effect, and some variations involve rotating the camera view around the slowed-down scene. It was previously referred to by some as "time slice photography" but changed for the Matrix due to the scene where Neo dodges the 'agents' bullets for a breathtaking spectacle. It's sure to get audiences clapping in their seats. This film caters for all audiences, the sci-fi fanatics drooling over their computer screens, the interested movie buff, or the ordinary person looking to be blown away by a dazzling concept of an Orwellian future. For those not up to the challenge of an exhausting mental thriller, waiting for the DVD will be equally rewarding, enabling you to watch the film several times to fully grasp the layers the Wachowski brothers have pain-stakingly crafted into the film. The Matrix has been a long time in the making, but it has been well worth the wait and is the type of film that needs to be made to alert people to the brilliance film can still produce. As Agent Smith says, 'That is the sound of inevitability.'