What is The Matrix? Greatness

Rating: 10/10 (24 July 2006)

I remember quite vividly when I first caught a glimpse of this movie a few years ago. Flipping through the channels on a hotel television, I came across the film during the final chase scene and, upon first glance, it made absolutely no sense. How was the guy being chased in two places at once? What were those creatures attacking that ship? What's with him stopping the bullets? Incidentally, I ran into this same spot two nights in a row.
When I actually came around to seeing the entire movie (on television yet again) in sequence several years later, I began to realize how great it actually was. I must have watched all the replays each time I clicked on the television. This would later be coupled with my general love for the trilogy that spawned about a year ago at this time.
I've seen some of the comments from people who disliked the movie. They either "didn't get it" or said it was "overrated." The latter has gained more prominence since everyone and their mom has spoofed the once unique "Bullet Time" sequence and the general themes of "The Matrix". It's kind of sad that the repetition of third parties has detracted from the masterpiece and brilliance of Bullet Time, which was a revolutionary piece of art. I still love watching it (along with the rest of the movie), and I wish I could go back in time to the day the movie was released just to sit with the audience and hear their reactions as Neo bent backwards, slowly dodging and weaving out of the way of the bullets. Beautiful.
To further comment on the detractions of the film, I have to say that you either "got it" and loved the movie or sat there and hated it. There's no happy medium for this film it seems, though I don't think the Wachowski Brothers mind. To be honest, there are small flaws within the movie, but it never detracts from my viewing experience.
But even with all the fight scenes and special effects, what's a movie without actors?
Keanu Reeves (Neo/Thomas Anderson) is not someone you would normally pick to play heavy roles, and many can't get past Keanu's "spaced" demeanor. Sure, it's definitely a laugh to poke fun at it ("Whoa!"), but within the context of "The Matrix", he's perfect. Neo, as others have described him, is the Silent Buddha type: he'll lead more through his actions than with lengthy speeches. If Neo were completely confident, brash, and outspoken, it would be hard to root for him. Thank God Will Smith chose "Wild Wild West", eh?
Laurence Fishburne embodies Morpheus, the cool-headed leader with the greatest of faith in the prophecy of the One. Morpheus is brought to life by Fishburne and it's hard to imagine anyone else trying to fill that role. The same goes for Carrie-Ann Moss, who convinced me as Trinity that she can and most likely WILL kick your ass, whether you like it or not. Furthermore, she compliments Keanu's laid back style with her own intense approach. I suppose that's why, within the film, Trinity is drawn to Neo.
To be honest, Hugo Weaving should get more credit for his role as Agent Smith. Smith helps carry the weight of the second half of the film along with Neo. Weaving effectively gives the Agent his confident, silently-smirking-at-you-constantly demeanor that parallels Neo's character. Much of the appeal of "The Matrix" undoubtedly comes from Weaving's performance in terms of mass media. If you put on a black suit with shades, almost everyone knows who you are.
The most underrated performance is that of the late Gloria Foster, who portrays The Oracle. She absolutely nails down the character of the all-knowing, disarming grandmotherly woman who is not only witty, but also blunt and to the point. The scene where The Oracle and Neo meet is a very nice exchange, with each actor carrying their own parts appropriately.
The best scene? Boy, that's a tough one. I could pick almost any scene in the movie and say why it's good. The best dialogue scenes would have to be either the interrogation with the Agents and Neo, Morpheus revealing in the Construct what the Matrix is, the before mentioned Oracle/Neo scene, or Smith's interrogation of Morpheus. And I'm just slimming down my list here, folks!
The best action scene, I believe, is the subway showdown between Neo and Smith. Sure, the rooftop scene had the famous "Bullet Time" shot, and the helicopter ride was intense, but this sequence is one of THE best choreographed fight scenes I've ever seen. There are nice little touches, including the Old West-esquire showdown that occurs just prior to the fight. The Lobby Scene should not be forgotten either as it was a beautiful piece of cinematography.
In the end, "The Matrix" is one of the greatest achievements in modern film making. It's not the greatest film of all time, but in the scope of science fiction, action films, and modern movies (within the last two decades), it ranks among the greats. "The Matrix" sets the bar for future films of its type.