Directed by: The Wachowski Brothers
Premise: A computer hacker (Keanu Reeves) is
awakened to discover that what he has perceived as reality is really an
elaborate computer simulation keeping humanity asleep while human bodies are
used to power intelligent machines. Once awakened and freed from the matrix, Neo
joins with an anti-establishment guerilla force that is attempting to free
humanity.
What Works: The Matrix is a watershed moment
in the history of cinematic science fiction. The film draws upon some of the
themes that have been explored before in pictures like Blade
Runner, Soylent
Green, and even Star
Wars but here those ideas are presented with much more subtle depth and
an overtly antiestablishment attitude. Where many other science fiction films
have dealt with revolutionary themes and subversive agendas, The Matrix goes further by making reference to concepts by philosophers like Plato, Rene
DeCartes, Karl Marx, and Friedrich Nietzsche and then fusing them with
revolutionary politics and contemporary anxieties about meaning, existence, and
truth. Rather than just using the philosophical ideas as a window dressing for
the appearance of sophistication, The Matrix dives into the substance of
these ideas, using them to drive the conflicts of the story and the design of
the story world. The result is a film that gives new life to old ideas, making
them relevant for the contemporary age. In the process, The Matrix manages to do something extraordinary: it captures and dramatizes our
contemporary world, acting out what are usually abstract or academic ideas
through flesh and blood (or in some instances mechanical or digital) characters.
What’s more extraordinary is that the film does not limit its themes and ideas
to plot and character, but extends them to the film medium itself. The
filmmakers of The Matrix recognize the plasticity of film, a new state of
the medium that was brought on by the use of computer technology. The Matrix incorporates this unlike any film before it, using digital tools to bend time
and space and doing so in order to amplify the meaning of the film. While all of
this thematic content is impressive, The Matrix is also an excellent
demonstration of filmmaking craft and manages to be extremely entertaining. The
cinematography is terrific and the editing of The Matrix is also very
impressive, using some unusual patterns, sometimes breaking from standard
editing procedure (like starting a scene on a close up instead of an
establishing shot) and pumping the story with energy. The sound design of The
Matrix is also very impressive, especially in its use of music. The score
taps into the film’s meld of classic ideas with contemporary sensibilities,
mixing a traditional orchestral score with electronic and synthetic elements as
well as techno or hard rock songs. The mix works very well and both adds to the
street credibility of the film’s politics as well as its underlying themes.
There are quite a few great action set pieces here such as the opening rooftop
chase, the kung-fu training sequence, and the helicopter rescue and while each
is stunning as a piece of action these scenes also work on secondary and
tertiary levels, advancing plot and character. The casting is spot on with Keanu
Reeves in the role he will be remembered for; Laurence Fishburne contributes a
great deal of seriousness and weight as revolutionary leader Morpheus and Hugo
Weaving gives a memorable performance as Agent Smith, the lead villain.
What Doesn’t: Although The Matrix has many
fans it also has many detractors. Some see the picture as dealing in pop
philosophy, others accuse it of using too many ideas too superficially resulting
in a hokey pseudo-intellectualism. Whether this is true or not is fiercely
debated among critics and fanboys (or girls). But the fact that the film has
opened up this kind of passion and discussion is itself significant. One
critique of The Matrix that ought to be considered is its lack of humor.
Although there is some humor to be found, The Matrix does suffer a bit
from its very serious and self-important tone.
DVD Extras: The Ultimate Matrix Collection includes The Matrix, The
Matrix Reloaded, The
Matrix Revolutions, and The
Animatrix as well as six discs of bonus materials. The films include two
commentary tracks, one with philosophy professors who liked the film and comment
on its symbols and meanings, and another with film critics who did not like film
and discuss the film’s shortcomings.
Bottom Line: The Matrix is an important film and its influence can be seen in films such as The Dark Knight and the new edition of Battlestar Galactica. The mix of compelling intellectual inquiry wrapped up in an exciting narrative makes The Matrix a great piece of entertainment and a thoughtful commentary on contemporary life.
Note: See The Ultimate Matrix Collection