The Matrix, directed by Andy & Lana Wachowski, is one of those movies that everyone has at least heard of since its debut in 1999. Yet somehow I managed to go fifteen long years without watching it... After finally seeing it in my Intro to Film class, it's clear why this movie resonated so well with audiences; the matrix is an obvious metaphor for the constricting structure of society. When The Matrix was written, the cultural conditions of the late 20th century contributed hugely to it's success. The directors used various cinematic elements to give the movie a sense of verisimilitude, so the viewer believed that maybe they could actually be living in the matrix. This is evident from the very opening seen when the classic Warner Brothers logo we've all seen dozens of times, is tinted green with a flickering effect, much like all of the scenes depicting the matrix have a green tint as well.
In the scene above when Morpheus asks Neo if he believes in fate, he claims not to because he does not like the idea of not being in control of his own life. This is hilariously ironic since he is just about to find out his entire life has been an illusioned lie, in which he actually has been used an as energy source for Artificial Intelligence. The A.I. in this film follows a true science-fiction antagonist outline, since it is best classified as an "other" life form, and is not similar to humans in any way. The composition of this scene is mostly symmetrical and organized, mirroring the way society has been composed in the Matrix.
Morpheus soon sends Neo to the Oracle, but it is not the typical setting one would first expect after walking through the run down building. The home is bright with the scene set in a kitchen. This gives the Oracle a motherly aura that the audience can relate to, which makes it easier to trust her advice. Contrary to what we have been told by Morpheus, she says that Neo is not "The One." He apparently has the gift, but is waiting for something according to her. This piece of information, along with Neo's doubts, sets up the viewer with the idea that Neo will not be able to accomplish what Morpheus expects him to. The viewer then can't help but wonder what is going to happen to our hero and must finish the movie to find out. This is a brilliant ploy that has been used in basically any movie ever, to guarantee the audience will stay captured until the end of the film.
In the matrix Neo was working a basic desk job that didn't seem too exciting, essentially wasting his gift. This is a common fear people seem to have in society today since getting a "proper" job is considered important. A large portion of the population avoids doing what they desire either out of fear of failure, or with the idea that they will get around to it someday. This is due to how society has been structured over the years. Neo is an unlikely hero because he seems like the rest of us, which is the reason why so many people connect with this movie. All the odds were against him, yet he still prevailed in the end. This film projects a simple, albeit inspirational, message that believing in yourself can change the path of your fate.
Works Referenced
The Matrix. Dir. Andy & Lana Wachowski. Warner Bros. Pictures, 1999. DVD.
Barsam, Richard, and Dave Monahan. Looking At Movies. 4th ed. New York: W.W Norton &, 2013. Print.
All images screen-capped by yours truly.
Works Referenced
The Matrix. Dir. Andy & Lana Wachowski. Warner Bros. Pictures, 1999. DVD.
Barsam, Richard, and Dave Monahan. Looking At Movies. 4th ed. New York: W.W Norton &, 2013. Print.
All images screen-capped by yours truly.