The Matrix

From the beginning of The Matrix, we enter Neo's (Keanu Reeves) world of computers and hacking. We see Neo asleep at his keyboard obviously exhausted from hours of searching for something we soon discover is "The Matrix." Neo receives a mysterious message on his computer telling him that the Matrix has him, but that he can escape by following the "white rabbit." Seconds later, a knock is heard at the door. Neo speaks to the people at the door then notices a tattoo of a white rabbit on a girls shoulder. He now knows he should follow them.

Through a series of fast paced sequences we learn that the sender of the message on his computer is Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne). Morpheus warns Neo of the agents looking for him in his office and gives him the directions to get away. However, Neo finds himself unable to complete his escape and is caught by the agents. The agents are dressed in black suits and wear black sunglasses at all times. By their clone-like appearance, we are able to see that they represent something very powerful and dangerous.

Once Neo is caught by the agents, they sit him down for a discussion about who he is and why they want him. We see the agents' great power through the special effect of Neo's mouth closing up, keeping him from speaking. Neo quickly realizes these agents are bad news through the events that have just occurred.

Neo is eventually brought to Morpheus, who he learns is the leader of a small group of humans who live beneath the earth's surface away from the Matrix, which is controlled by an artificial intelligence system. Neo discovers that his existence has been part of this made up world of the Matrix. Neo also comes to understand that he is "The One" according to Morpheus and his crew who has been sent to save humanity from the Matrix.

Written and directed by Larry and Andy Wachowski, this film introduced the world to the VFX technology, often referred to as "bullet time" photography. According to the article Buddhism, Christianity, and The Matrix: The Dialectic of Myth-Making in Contemporary Cinema by James L. Ford, this creative cinematographic technique is only the beginning of what makes this film so remarkable as modern myth.

Ford points out that while the story has obvious connections to Christianity and the concept of a Savior, it also borrows heavily from the teachings of Buddhism. In particular, the fourth century philosophical school of Buddhism known as "Consciousness-only" is prevalent in the film. Ford argues that the success of the film could be compared to The Wizard of Oz or Star Wars as an example of modern day myth-making. It is evident from the beginning that Neo is viewed as a Messiah. Ford also points out that Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) can be compared to Mary Magdeline and Cypher (Joe Pantoliano) is a Judas-like figure, eventually betraying Morpheus and Neo. However, the film does not have the equivalent of God as a character.

Much like Jesus in the New Testament story, Neo has doubts about himself. As the film concludes, Neo battles the agents of the Matrix, rescues Morpheus, dies and comes back to life to conquer the Matrix.

Ford suggests that the film's target audience of young males may not be very knowledgeable when it comes to the Christian Bible or Buddhism, which serves to increase the impact of this story the way the Wachowski brothers tell it.

The many dazzling scenes of slow motion martial arts fighting showcase the film makers' technique. While providing very popular action scenes, the technique also fits with the existential themes of the movie.

The appearance of multiple agents who all look alike added to the intimidating feel of the Matrix while at the same time suggesting comparisons with the "artificial world" we live in today. The presence of what appeared to be "monsters" that are really machines controlled by the Matrix adds to the futuristic feel of the movie.

Perhaps the most incredible images in the movie are when the Matrix system of breeding human beings to serve as an energy sources are revealed.

One of my favorite characters in The Matrix was Tank (Marcus Chong). He was the programmer who would download "training sessions" into the characters' brains to get them through their various conflicts. Tank was never involved directly in the action but controlled the outcome through his programming skills. We could feel the "human side" of the conflicts through Tank's emotional reactions as he watched Neo and others suffering through their battles in the Matrix.

This film has become a modern classic with it's special effects, cinematography, and mind-challenging futuristic vision of the world. Parts two and three of this trilogy proved to be just as popular as the first and have guarenteed the Wachowski brothers their place in film making excellence.