The film The Matrix, directed by Lilly and Lana Wachowski, follows the protagonist, Neo, in his search of the truth. From the start, Neo can sense that something is off as he faces several strange occurrences. He finally meets the infamous Morpheus and is approached with a choice to take the red or blue pill. Neo’s curiosity gets the best of him and selects the red pill in order to learn the truth. The year is 2190, Earth as we know it has been destroyed and conquered by artificial intelligence. Ironically enough, these machines were built by humans. The machines have enslaved the human race as an energy source and are kept in containers plugged to the Matrix. The truth is that humans are living an illusion, a virtual reality generated by artificial intelligence. Neo has been chosen as “the one” in order to free the human race and save what is left of humanity.

 

It is apparent today that the human race is highly dependent on technology, therefore, The Matrix is culturally relevant. The matrix is an amplified version of what many of us are living today. I am willing to argue that the matrix is equivalent to social networking. Our social media, in a sense, is a virtual reality where we interact and socialize with other beings around the world. We are all connected through cyberspace as a single conscious and for many of us, life is lived through our devices. Humans are unable to differentiate from their day-to-day lives and virtual reality. I’ve witnessed many individuals express greater fulfillment through their virtual reality compared to their physical lives. We have become less intoned with our face-to-face interactions and connections because of our uncontrollable tendency to be on our cellular devices. It is hard to unplug from technology since it’s all around us but the real question is, do we even want to? Would we have chosen the red or blue pill? How far would humans be willing to advance mechanically? Will we generate artificial intelligence that will one day dominate the human race?

 

The Matrix is a narrative film because it tells a fictional but persuasive story of a battle between the human race and artificial intelligence. Therefore, the genre is Science Fiction. This movie perfectly illustrates the focus of science fiction because it displays humanity’s relationship with science and technology. The Matrix also speaks to our fear of drastic technological advancements by portraying a battle between us, humans, versus an “other”. This “other” or antagonist in the movie is the artificial intelligence that has enslaved the human race. The antagonist is represented as Agent Smith, who is constantly after Neo in order to prevent him from achieving his goal. Agent Smith is a flat character because he has very few distinct traits and doesn’t change as constantly as Neo. The science fiction protagonist, Neo, as characterized by the genre is humane and soulful. Which represents the strong and invincible spirit of the human race as a whole. Neo is also a round character that progresses through the series because he is constantly transforming and developing. However, Neo does so more clearly at the end of the first movie, when he conquered control over the matrix by stopping the flying bullets. In most narrative films, if not all, there is a protagonist pursing a goal. Neo’s goal, as the one, is to save the human race and restore humanity. This entire conflict that is presented in the matrix, between the protagonist and antagonist, is essential to the sci-fi genre. Like most science fiction movies, The Matrix takes place in the future. By placing the setting in 2190 on a destroyed and conquered Earth ruled by artificial intelligence, they are drawing on the fear and anxiety of the audience. In doing so, the Wachowski bothers had to manipulate reality and hypothesize a future effect of technology.

 

In addition, the directors used several mise-en-scene elements and cinematic techniques to captivate the audience and emphasize the sci-fi genre. Lighting and color are important elements used to differentiate between the matrix and reality. In the matrix, the color green is often used. Whether it was a green filter to enhance a matrix scene or green attire used by the individuals, such as the green dress worn by the Oracle. Lighting is also used to illustrate this difference by transitioning from dark lighting on Earth to softer lightening in the virtual reality. Costume is also critical to the series because they are key identifiers of this transition. When a character enters the matrix, their entire appearance changes to a more rebellious look and sense of expression. It is quite fascinating to observe the transition between the two realities because even their personalities change and develop throughout the series. All these mise-en-scene elements play a crucial role in helping the audience understand the differences between both worlds. Finally, the editing used in The Matrix was as essential, if not more, to developing the movie. Long cuts were used to express greater emotion and add a more dramatic effect. Long cuts manipulate time and provide an illusion of endless movement. For example, the famous bullet scene near the end of the movie, where Neo reaches his full potential to distort the virtual reality in order to slow time and avoid bullets. However, the directors also use short cuts to provide a more comic book feel throughout the movies. The quick pace also allows for manipulation of time and space. All these techniques and elements add to the overall mood of the movie and help the audience understand the sci-fi plot.

 

 

Barsam, Richard Meran, and Dave Monahan. Looking at Movies: An Introduction to Film. New York: W.W. Norton, 2016. Print.           

The Matrix. Dir. Lana Washowski and Lilly Washowski. Perf. Keanu Reeves. Warner Brothers, 1999. Film.           

I’m excited for spring quarter and the sunshine!!