Impact
It’s fair to say that the sci-fi genre in film has evolved tremendously over the years, with significant events and technological advancements pushing the boundaries of storytelling and visual effects. From the very early days of silent films which pioneered its creative hubris to look at ideas and like-minded fears of technology in many different surrealist fashions to modern blockbusters where film-makers gleefully snatch at an idea that can possibly produce thought-provoking concepts that occupy our mental space, sci-fi has always been a popular genre among audiences. It explores the unknown, delves into the depths of the human psyche, and often tackles complex philosophical themes. This is no different when we perceive Lana and Lily Wachowski’s The Matrix; a sci-fi/action epic which explores of a plethora of varying themes – such as the omnipotence of technology, the subliminal affect of media and the responsibility of choosing what’s real and what isn’t – in an exciting context that buoyantly breaks the boundaries through its effervescent notion of displaying action within the formatics of choreography and cinematography. Amongst these noticeable yet known facets however, a specific perspective that captured the eye on a recent viewing of the said feature, is the manner in which the all-present futuristic thematic approaches coalesce with theological/religious ideas to create a far more deeper experience than one might expect…
Hooked into the Matrix without even knowing it, an elaborate, omnipresent computer system designed to manipulate free will, reclusive hacker Thomas Anderson, aka Neo, is about to have an eye-opening revelation. Haunted by burning, unspoken questions, Neo crosses paths with leather-clad cyber-rebel Trinity and inspirational leader Morpheus, who claim to hold the answers to the reality of his imprisoned existence. Little by little, as Neo tumbles down the rabbit hole, the shocking truth about an artificial dreamland unfolds, catching the attention of the Agents: sentient programs guarding all the doors. But with people so hopelessly dependent on the system, what will it take to unplug and escape the Matrix?
Indeed, there’s really no denying that The Matrix rather changed the perception and capabilities of cinematic technology and how it specifically adopted a particular and ground-breaking formatic technique, at the time, that doesn’t feel out of place in this day and age. Of course, I am referring to the much adhered bullet-time, slow-time effects and wirework choreography which arguably set a new standard for action films and influenced countless imitators. It’s these aforesaid formal facets alone that very much defines Wachowski’s beloved feature since it elevates the on-screen action to an unprecedented and polished level of execution that no film, up until that point, had achieved before. As much as there’s an argument to be made of preceding films of Asian cinema, particularly those of the John Woo and Jackie Chan strain, that present action in a realistic manner through the mastery of the choreography displayed, The Matrix rightly demonstrates similar action-orientated motion – in the play of martial arts and gun-work – through its editing and effects; evoking the stylistic and free-flowing action motion you may see in Akira and/or Ghost in the Shell (two films which were known influences of the Wachowski’s). Everything that we see, from Neo’s perfectly timed bullet-time dodge to the heightened moment of Morpheus running in slow-motion across towards a helicopter, is implement in a fine and conventionalised way that it’s as if you’re watching a painting being brought to life. The biggest credit I can give towards the action presented, and the effects that reside with the stunts so closely, is the manner in which these specific sequences of flips and bouts carry a contextual weight that inherently pulls you closer to the characters and circumstances in which they face. A good example that I want elude to in relation to this point is the moment in the feature where Neo and Trinity decide and prepare to save Morpheus from the clutches of Smith and the other agents. Similar in vein to how Star Wars – Episode VI: Return of the Jedi utilises its action set-pieces to carry over into the energy and heightened conflict in a separate space with different characters – how it beautifully bounces the egregious tensions of Luke’s encounter with The Emperor/Vader to the gripping conflict on Endor – the same methodology is applied to The Matrix as the stakes of Neo and Trinity’s mission naturally cross-over to the interaction/interrogation of Morpheus. The initial set-up of Neo proposing and acting-out in saving Morpheus creates this life-or-death energy where you feel as though the consequences that will follow after will pave towards an outcome that it truly significant (which is certainly the case). With the exposition of Neo potentially being ‘the one’ and the agents having this reputation for killing “Every single man or woman who has stood their ground…” presents an opportunity for action set-pieces that go above and beyond the call of duty and, for sure, the final third of the feature most certainly delivers in doing this.
As previously mentioned in the introduction, one aspect of The Matrix that thoroughly surprised myself when watching the film recently was how the said film synchronises expected sci-fi commentary of technology and artificial intelligence with ecclesiastical motifs that ultimately create a deepened experience. Aside the obviously and previously referred to motifs, the most thought-provoking and omnipresent theme to take away is that of choices and the faith behind the choices that respective characters ultimately take. For every mention of fate in The Matrix, there’s a mention of choice. The red pill and the blue pill, which together have become the symbol for the entire series, represent the power and potential of human agency throughout all of the films, per The Conversation in the subsequent feature. Because determinism plays such a major role in the story, however, the validity of choices and free will are constantly called into question. The Oracle frequently tells Neo that he’s already made choices before he actually makes them, suggesting that no decision truly belongs to any single person, as they’ve been influenced by external forces leading up to the moment of choice. Ultimately, The Matrix franchise leaves an ambiguous balance between the forces of fate and those of free will. Both are given credence at different points, and the two work together in myriad ways to form the complex narrative arc of this film and sequels that proceed it. More often than not, these two themes are tied together within The Matrix by the idea of faith, which is a major motivator for many of the films core characters. Morpheus is perhaps the clearest example of a faith-motivated character in The Matrix, as nearly everything he does is based on the (nearly) unshakeable belief that Neo is The One. Morpheus takes great risks under the guidance of his faith, showing the power such a strong belief can give a person. His station and reputation are less important to him than his core beliefs, and he often becomes a pariah for that reason. Of course, Morpheus isn’t the only instance of faith driving a character to great deeds in The Matrix. Neo and Smith both achieve immense power because of their respective beliefs: Smith’s in absolute nihilism and his own supremacy, and Neo’s in the power of choice. For better or worse, there’s rarely a more powerful motivator in The Matrix than faith. Faith in The One, faith in authority, faith in The Matrix itself — these all drive the core action of the films, revealing the strength and potential danger of unyielding faith.
While it’s arguably to say that certain aspects have now lost their shine, either due to outdated CG or just being clipped and parodied so damn much, it still doesn’t take away from The Matrix’s ability to pull you into its world, explain everything well and then give you a bunch of great action scenes on top. The Matrix remains a landmark film in the sci-fi genre, inspiring a new generation of filmmakers and moviegoers. Its impact on cinema can be seen in the countless imitators and parodies that followed, as well as the numerous references and homages in popular culture. The Matrix’s themes of identity, rebellion, and the power of the human spirit continue to resonate with audiences today.
On that note, it’s time for me to end this week’s Film Review Review. As always everyone, thank you for reading my latest Film Review of The Matrix and I hope you’ve all enjoyed the read! Thank you for reading this week’s Blog Post and I’ll be back next week! Have a nice day! Adieu!
★★★★★ – Alex Rabbitte