Written by: The Wachowskis
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, Joe Pantoliano
Rating: [5/5]
As inquisitive creatures, humans tend to question elements of their lives and do not necessarily take everything at face value. Doubt lingers and festers thus enabling us to look behind the curtain and see the truth of what we see on the surface. This transpires in various elements of life but never explored in the manner in which the spellbinding and awe-inspiring The Matrix does where it questions the very fabric of human existence, means of mass control, choice, and belief.
Moonlighting as an infamous hacker, Neo (Keanu Reeves) receives a mysterious message that leads him to meeting Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) where he learns of his world not being real and he has the opportunity to break free from it. Presented before Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), Neo must make the choice to either continue to live with his ignorance or live in the real world on the other side.
Groundbreaking and monumentally inspirational are words that still do not adequately capture the impressiveness of The Matrix in the way it not only provides impressively entertaining action, but also navigates in such deeply resonant topics that imbue themselves into your soul. Topics that delve into our psyche where we begin to question reality itself and how in the world the Wachowskis could possibly think of all of this. The film therefore layers in all of this quality into a singular experience that allows different audience members to take what they want from the movie and it satisfies in every way.
I, myself, stand as a subject in this matter where as a child I watched this film and enjoyed the cool action involved where these characters found a way to bend physics and do moves one could only dream of. Not until adulthood did I truly resonate with what this film’s narrative actually wanted to wrestle with and it unveiled a whole new experience that I continue to glean more from on every subsequent rewatch. Whether from a particular line of dialogue that initially got missed or a visual symbol that makes more sense the more one knows about theology and philosophy, this film never stops enriching its audience. Of all the wonderful ideas to dig into, the most famous one forever remains the binary between the red and blue pill.
Taking a life of its own following the release of this film in both positive and negative ways, the difference between the red and blue pill displays a choice in whether one will choose comfort in ignorance as opposed to the potential perils in learning truth. A choice many would argue for or against, depending on their appetite for one or the other. Especially when learning about the truth of the real world outside of the Matrix, where my wife always tells me she would prefer to stay in blissful ignorance. Surely she does not stand alone in this sentiment, as one particular character in the movie eloquently describes in their own reasoning for desiring life in the Matrix. The red pill seeks to display the truth and remove the wool over the eyes of a control that comforts some and suffocates others, allowing Neo’s decision to say plenty about him.
Upon entering the real world, we learn the truth of what has happened and unveils a bleak world where humans get utilized by machines in unimaginable ways and exactly how the Matrix plays into it. A reality that displays the difference between the real world and the Matrix not only in how people live, but also the visual aesthetic. In the Matrix we have this artificially green look that differs mightily from the dark blue of the real world making them stand apart quite distinctly. This comes into play also with the costuming, where in the Matrix the characters put on these all-black leathery garments with their dark sunglasses. Quite the memorably cool look, which then looks much different to the ragged clothing and conditions of the human characters in the real world. This divide continually displays the wasteland of the real world as compared to the artificial comfort the Matrix would provide.
With the bleak picture this film paints of the world and situation for each of these characters, The Matrix remains one brimming with positivity because of the unrelenting belief of Morpheus in Neo’s place as the savior. Belief plays an undeniably integral part of this entire narrative, where everything seemingly hinges on the idea of Neo being “the one” and how Morpheus believes he will bring an end to this entire war. Neo, therefore, needs to step in as a reluctant hero who must grow into becoming this messiah not only for the sake of those who believe in him, but also for himself. This self belief for him becomes the key to stepping into this role, as no one can tell him of his importance, he must entirely believe it himself in order to accomplish the ultimate goal in ending this larger war. It further makes those moments with the Oracle (Gloria Foster) all the more impactful to experience, as prophecy and belief intertwine together that keeps these humans on the other side filled with hope.
For all of the beauty and terror involved with this film, the lasting impact it has had on moviegoers remains the action in how it brought in a new look at combat. Utilizing slow motion to highlight the superhuman actions of its characters brought this distinct approach in the way the physics of the world in the Matrix could get manipulated to their advantage. It all starts with the famous scene of Trinity jumping in the air and kicking an adversary out of her way. Incredible acrobatic work becomes the name of the game in what makes the fighting stand apart, but this also appears in the fierceness of the blows involved. The fight choreography displays individuals who are swinging at each other with intention to cause damage and not just to present something visually pleasing, even though this feature accomplishes both mightily well. Shot in a wonderfully engaging manner on each occasion from Morpheus and Neo sparring to the final battle the chosen one has with the villain of the film, everything looks spectacular and quite invigorating.
Not enough can be said about the screenplay and direction of the Wachowskis in their endeavor to bring this whole concept together into something coherent. When observing the outline of this feature, it sat squarely in prime position to exist as one of those films that has a fascinating premise but lackluster execution. However, with this masterwork we receive something fully formed and realized. As two individuals who transitioned in their gender identity but not outwardly at the time of releasing the film, one can easily find the little hints of themselves throughout the conversations of the characters. From the assumptions Neo has about Trinity’s gender identity and her response to it to the very existence of a character named Switch (Belinda McClory) in the story implies plenty. Outside of their personal attachment to their story, this screenplay pieces together this world immaculately as it gives characters like the Oracle and Morpheus incredibly insightful monologues in the way they outline their perspective and purpose in this world. So many elements that completely went over my head when watching this as a child dozens of times but contains this rich distillation of the major themes this feature has to offer. Each of these actors got plenty to chew on.
Each actor came to play in their own ways but the ones who stood out the most amongst the rest proved to be Laurence Fishburne as Morpheus and Hugo Weaving as Agent Smith. Fishburne brings this gravitas to the character of Morpheus in the way he presents this confidence and sage-like wisdom. His booming voice makes every word he states to Neo as something incredibly insightful. Pitch perfect casting, and the same goes for Weaving as an Agent of the system who seeks to wipe out anything seeking to disrupt the balance of the Matrix. Whether it be exiles, anomalies, or pesky humans trying to free others from the system. The open disdain of Smith makes for quite a fascinating villain who essentially represents a man who hates his job and Weaving captures this impeccably well. A legendary villainous performance done so typically in a cool, calm, and collected manner that tries to zap out the emotion of each circumstance given he’s a program.
Forever sitting within the pantheon of my favorite films ever made, The Matrix more than rewards repeat viewings, which has allowed it to remain a distinguished and timeless masterpiece. Certainly has products of its time in building out a world of the 90s through its punk and rebellious attitude, but still containing ideas and aesthetics that have its place in history forever. The film works on so many levels providing entertainment to those seeking it while also feeding those who appreciate the theological and philosophical principles it seeks to wrestle with through these incredible characters. No amount of praise through this writing could ever fully capture the love I hold for this film because it reaches beyond what I have the capability of even fully distilling from my mind to my fingers to type it all out. These characters, this story, and this world will forever capture my appreciation.
Films with Josh 